BY INSPECTOR NICK PINKERTON
Nitrous Oxide (“Noz”) canisters are small metal pressurised canisters that are designed for commercial purposes such as making whipped cream. They are not designed for human consumption, but young people especially are buying them to inhale the gas. This is a growing problem; Home Office data shows that 8.7% of 16 to 24-year-olds have used the drug in 2018/19.
Nitrous Oxide is a drug which is governed by the 2016 Psychoactive Substances Act and like any drug it can be habit forming. Although possession in public of Nitrous Oxide is not an offence, it is illegal to give it away or to sell it. An Addlestone man has been arrested and charged with this offence when he was seen selling Nitrous Oxide filled balloons. A conviction for either supply or production can lead to a prison sentence of up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. If you drive after you have inhaled Nitrous Oxide you could also be found guilty of a Drug Driving offence.
Abusing Nitrous Oxide is dangerous, so please support us by talking to your children about the risks. Inhaling directly from the canister can seriously damage your throat and lungs as the gas is extremely cold. By abusing this gas as a drug, a lack of oxygen to the brain can result in unconsciousness and even death through suffocation or heart problems. This risk is likely to be greater if the gas is consumed in an enclosed space or if a lot is used at the same time.
In the long term, regular use of Nitrous Oxide can lead to anaemia (a low number of red blood cells) and vitamin B12 deficiency. Prof. Gino Martini, Chief Scientist at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, has warned that heavy use of Nitrous Oxide can result in serious and painful nerve damage and numbness. Heavy users may suffer a difficulty in controlling their limbs and even paralysis. In 2018, a woman from Bristol was left paralysed from the chest down after inhaling regularly every weekend. The health risks are likely to be greater if the gas is combined with alcohol or other drugs.
Parents need to be vigilant for the signs of Nitrous Oxide use. It is sold in small, usually silver canisters, and is most often inhaled through a balloon. So if you have seen these in your home, please have a conversation and ensure your child is safe. Anyone experiencing issues from Nitrous Oxide or other substances should get medical support via their GP or the NHS. If you see any suspicious activity where you think Nitrous Oxide is being consumed, please report it to Police on 101. Alternatively, you can remain anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.