Inhaling nitrous oxide: it’s no laughing matter

Health bosses are raising awareness of the health risks posed by inhaling nitrous oxide as the summer months and festival season nears.

Inhaling nitrous oxide can harm people’s health, and it is illegal to supply the gas for its psychoactive effects.

Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that comes in small pressurised metal canisters. The canisters, also known as ‘whippits’ are intended to be used as a whipped cream propellant, and while they can be recycled, they are regularly seen discarded outdoors after use.

Users of nitrous oxide transfer the gas from the canister into a container, usually a balloon, to inhale it.

Despite the reported short-lived feelings of giddiness and mild euphoria, there are many health risks that come with inhaling nitrous oxide, including the risk of injury from falls or other accidents due to the effects on balance and coordination.

Inhaling the gas slows brain and body responses, it can stop you thinking straight, give you a severe headache and cause dizziness as well as nausea. It also acts as a depressant and can lead to feelings of paranoia.

Worryingly, long term or intense use can lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 which can cause nerve damage and a form of anaemia. There is also the risk of falling unconscious or suffocating from lack of oxygen, which can prove fatal.

Mixing nitrous oxide with other drugs, as well as alcohol, increases the risks, as does having an underlying health condition such as high blood pressure.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Substance use can be a hard subject to talk about, especially with a loved one, but for anyone who has a problem or is concerned about their own or another person’s relationship with drugs, there is a lot of confidential support available.”

Lesley Jones, Bury’s director of public health, added: “Not all young people know the risks of inhaling nitrous oxide. By staying informed, parents and carers can help young people make the right choices if they ever come into contact with drugs. If you are worried about your child, the best thing you can do is to sit down with them and have a calm and honest chat.”

For confidential and non-judgemental information, advice and support, young people, carers and parents can contact Early Break on 0161 723 3880 or visit www.earlybreak.co.uk

ENDS

Press release issued: 6 June 2022.