Butane-based products are widely available in shops and consideration is now being given to restricting availability of the gas to young people.
Dr Leo Schep from the National Poisons Centre said huffing aerosol products - which commonly contain propane and butane - was like playing Russian roulette.
"There is danger at several levels.
"You've got sudden sniffing death, you've got the issue of frostbite and then you've got this explosive mixture."
Users could suffer frostbite around their mouth when inhaling the gas, Dr Schep said.
He told the Wanganui Chronicle those inhaling butane were often unaware it could lead to death, even after taking it just once.
"It just basically slows the heart down [and] it's a serious risk.
"They build up a concentration, they get a narcotic high and then if affects the ability of the heart to propagate the beat."
Death could also occur several hours after inhalation, when a person's breathing was affected, restricting their oxygen supply.
Dr Schep warned young people that the effects of the "accessible high" were not worth the dangers.
NZ Drug Foundation executive director Ross Bell said volatile substance abuse - such as butane inhalation - was a complex area of drug use.
"It's very difficult to get a sense of the trend, whether it is increasing or decreasing. And [butane is] pretty fast acting, unique and you can overdose pretty quick."
Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean launched a review into butane huffing after two Dunedin youths suffered critical injuries when an LPG gas cylinder they were believed to be sniffing from exploded last month.
Mr Bell said the research had identified up to 60 butane-related deaths since 2000, nearly all of which were young males aged under 24 years.
Danger signals
Signs your child may be huffing:
Chemical smell on their breath or clothing
Empty canisters around their room or where they hang out
Mood swings or a general change in behaviour not explained by normal teenage behaviour
Changes in sleeping or eating patterns
Mixing with a new group of friends, especially if they hang out in secluded places
Source: National Poisons Centre