The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) would like to alert parents about increasing reports of harm from nitrous oxide misuse.
They have advised all front-line staff who come into contact with young people are aware of the risk of nitrous oxide misuse, particularly the emerging evidence of increased harm and the use of larger canisters, know where to access accurate information and have referral pathways in place for people who need help and support.
Nitrous oxide is an odourless and colourless gas inhaled from balloons, or – far more dangerously – directly from canisters, for its psychoactive effects. Nitrous oxide is also called: Balloons, Chargers, Hippie Crack, Laughing Gas, Nos, Noz and Whippits, and symptoms can include feeling relaxed, giggly, sound distortions and/or dizzy, anxious and paranoid.
It is extremely dangerous to inhale nitrous oxide directly from canisters. There are additional dangers when a plastic bag over head and if too much is inhaled there is a high risk of falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen.
In addition to the already widely-reported risks of accidents while under the influence and of direct harm from the cold gas, there are increasing hospital reports of young people with serious nerve damage that may be lasting. This is probably associated with the increasing availability of larger canisters of gas and people using more of it, perhaps without really keeping track of just how much more they are using. Nitrous oxide inactivates vitamin B12 leading to nerve damage. It can also cause headaches and stop people from thinking straight. If nitrous oxide is used on a regular basis it can lead to the body stopping the production of white blood cells properly.
As a psychoactive drug, nitrous oxide is controlled under the Psychoactive Substances Act, meaning its possession is not an offence but supply is. Parents and guardians need to be aware of the dangers of the illegal use of nitrous oxide and, though legal to possess, people should not make the assumption that nitrous oxide is safe to use. This may be especially true when people drive and inhale the gas.
Stacey Walsh, Assistant Headteacher, added: “There is information for young people and their families and carers online via FRANK at www.talktofrank.com. FRANK also lists sources of help and advice, including local services.
