Parents have been urged to warn their children about the dangers of a deadly new drug that is sweeping Dublin city.
Nitrous oxide gas, also known as "hippy crack", has become the "drug of choice" for in the city in recent years due to its cheap high and easy availability.
People inhale the gas from balloons or metal canisters for a euphoric, pain-numbing effect, Dublin Live reports.
West Dublin TD Paul Donnelly has urged parents to talk to their children about the drug after he discovered a number of discarded cylinders in the Huntstown area.
He said: "I’ve seen a few around the area myself and was curious to know what they were. These were found in Huntstown.
"It’s really important to have a continuing conversation with your children around drug and alcohol use.
"The local community drug teams can provide you with help and support if you need it."
Legislation introduced in 2016 made it illegal to sell the gas for psychoactive purposes.
But enforcing the legislation has proved difficult because it is used in food products such as whipped cream, and medicine meaning it can be easily bought online by youngsters.
And it is understood that young Dublin adults, teenagers and even children are misusing the drug more and more each day in an effort to get that quick high.
Dublin City Councillor Daithi Doolan said he has come across discarded canisters in large numbers in the Ballyfermot and Drimnagh area.
And he has urged the HSE to develop a public information programme about the drug as soon as possible, saying "turning a blind eye is not an option."
He said: "These capsules, cost as little as €1 each, contain nitrous oxide or ‘laughing gas’.
"If inhaled it causes a short, intense high. Like any substance, it can have a serious even fatal consequence. I know parents are worried for their children.
"Unfortunately much of the chatter on social media is hype and not helpful. It is only fuelling parents stress and confusion.
"This is wrong and does not serve any positive purpose. We need to replace scare tactics with facts and education.
“This is a public health issue. Evidence based information is needed so everyone, young and not so young, know exactly what is going on.
"The Health Service Executive must develop a public information programme. Starting with an information leaflet as soon as possible for distribution in youth centres, health centres and schools.
"Turning a blind eye is not an option. Honest information and action is what is urgently required."
What is nitrous oxide?
Used around the world by dentists as anaesthesia, the gas is considered an "essential medicine" by the World Health Organisation.
Nitrous oxide can also be used in engines to make them run more efficiently. It's commonly known as "NOS" and was popularised by the Fast and Furious movie franchise and video games like Need for Speed.
When it is used as a recreational drug, nitrous oxide is commonly referred to by several other names, including laughing gas, whippits, hippie crack and chargers. Inhaling nitrous oxide is often referred to as "doing balloons".
This is why it is used by dentists as a means of gently numbing pain, however it can also cause hallucinations.
The exact chemical action of the drug is still not clearly known, but it is a depressant, which means it slows down your brain and therefore your body's responses.
As well as the numbness and relaxation, it often leaves the user unable to think straight, causing fits of laughter, hence the name laughing gas.
It can also lead to hallucinations in some people, while for others it can bring on a sudden and immediate headache.
Is laughing gas dangerous?
Like all chemicals that have an effect on your body, nitrous oxide can be harmful.
Even if it only has the "desired effects", not being able to think straight can lead to a lot of trouble as the user could act dangerously or recklessly and endanger themselves or others.
The drug can even be fatal if the person experiences a lack of oxygen.
This happens when all the oxygen is displaced by nitrous oxide. The risk of this is amplified if both the mouth and nose are covered in a plastic bag breathing it in.
Heavy users of laughing gas can also suffer a vitamin B12 deficiency or anaemia.
Severe B12 deficiencies cause nerve damage, particularly in extremities, and can depress your immune system, slowing down new white blood cell creation.
There is also a risk of fainting when taking the drug.
The risks of nitrous oxide multiply if alcohol is also being consumed. Some manufacturers of the gas add sulphur dioxide, a poisonous gas, to discourage people from inhaling the gas to get high.
Is it addictive?
It might be possible to become physically dependent on nitrous oxide.
Talk To Frank, a drugs helpline charity, says that although evidence on addiction is not yet clear, some reports suggest people can crave the gas.
