Last week, the United Kingdom changed the law to make nitrous oxide a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, making possession and sale for recreational purposes a criminal offence.
People selling ‘laughing gas’ for recreational purposes can face stiff penalties including jail time, while those found in possession can be heavily fined or given community service.
Belgium officially banned the sale of nitrous oxide to minors in 2022, and the possibility of a general ban for the entire population is still being considered by the government.
Other countries are considering taking similar action in a bid to curb the misuse of a substance whose popularity soared between 16–24-year-olds during the coronavirus pandemic when, due to restrictions on movement, access to other recreational drugs became more difficult.
The current surge in abuse can also be linked to the widespread availability of nitrous oxide, which many governments are now moving to restrict. Small, inexpensive cartridges used for making whipped cream have become a key factor in its popularity, making it easily accessible to a broader audience. Social media plays a crucial role in promoting and selling the drug, reaching even inexperienced teenagers.
International attempts to curb its use are mainly based on expert analysis on the harmful effects nitrous oxide can have on those who regularly abuse it, as well as the environmental and social aspects of discarded cartridges.
Originally used as an anaesthetic and propellant, nitrous oxide has gained popularity among younger generations for its euphoric effects when inhaled. While the gas itself is not new, the misuse of its cartridges for recreational purposes has led to a meteoric rise, prompting concerns about its health implications.
The Interministerial Mission for the Fight against Drugs and Addictive Behaviours (MILDECA) in France highlights immediate risks such as asphyxiation, loss of consciousness, and disorientation.
However, the risks go beyond the immediate effects, with mental health experts across Europe outlining neurological symptoms, cardiovascular issues, and psychological disorders, including hallucinations and suicidal thoughts as risks of sustained misuse. Health authorities are also highlighting the potential for addiction and long-lasting side effects associated with nitrous oxide in their awareness campaigns.
The misuse of nitrous oxide has long been associated with irreversible consequences. Chronic use of laughing gas can lead to vitamin B12 deficiencies, burns on the lips, mouth or nose, nerve damage, and severe neurological consequences. Meanwhile, the consequences of nitrous oxide abuse extend beyond individual health, encompassing road accidents and environmental pollution due to discarded gas cartridges.
In addition to the immediate risks, passive exposure to nitrous oxide is identified as a significant concern. In closed environments, passive ingestion can lead to intoxication, akin to the dangers of tobacco smoke. There have been cases in Belgium, specifically in Antwerp, where people ended up in wheelchairs due to exposure, with irreversible consequences.
As nitrous oxide abuse continues to rise, experts say it is crucial to recognise the gravity of its consequences and work towards widespread awareness to curb its misuse and protect public health.
