Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as ‘laughing gas’, has deflated in popularity among Brits in recent years, but sightings of silver canisters and people inhaling balloons are not uncommon in the capital.
According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), use of nitrous oxide decreased in the 12 months prior to March 2024, with a slight drop in 16 to 24-year-olds’ usage.
4.2 per cent of people in this age category reported to using it in 2023, compared to 3.3 per cent the following year.
Since November 2023, possession of laughing gas with the intent of getting high has been illegal in the UK, with repeat offenders facing up to two years in jail.
But last year, about 6,000 canisters were collected in the clean-up from Notting Hill Carnival. It was half the number collected the year before, but still indicative that usage was rife.
With Notting Hill Carnival coming up this weekend, we look at the dangers associated with laughing gas.
What is laughing gas?
Laughing gas is a nickname for nitrous oxide. It’s also sometimes called NOS.
The drug is used in medical settings but is also used recreationally, as it creates a short high.
Effects can include feelings of euphoria, calmness, fits of giggles, distorted sensory perception and hallucinations.
What are the risks?
Risks of laughing gas
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Paranoia
- Confusion and disorientation
- Impaired memory, forgetfulness and blackouts
- Red eyes
- Heart attack
- Low blood pressure
- Fainting
- Blurred vision
- Frostbite
- Breathing difficulties
- Anaemia
Inhaling nitrous oxide can cause oxygen levels in the body to drop, which can cause health problems. Risks include headaches, dizziness, fainting, confusion and blackouts.
It can also cause frostbite if it’s inhaled directly from the canisters.
Are there long-term health risks?
The high from laughing gas only tends to last a few minutes, but it can have long-term effects if used regularly.
“Some people develop very intense cravings and develop heavy use, sometimes using up to six or more of the larger 600g canisters per day,” Stephen Ram, director of Re-Solv, a solvent abuse charity, told The Standard. “This can lead to significant problems with paralysis, neuropathy, bladder issues, sexual dysfunction and clots.”
Long-term use of nitrous oxide can also lead to a deficiency of vitamin B12 and anaemia.
Severe B12 deficiency can cause serious nerve damage, resulting in tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes, balance issues and long-term neurological impairment.
‘It can cause frostbite on your lungs’
Taking illegal drugs always comes with risks, but if you’re going to try laughing gas, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the dangers — and what you can do to protect yourself.
“For young people who might encounter nitrous oxide in social settings, the safest option is, of course, to avoid it altogether,” Dr. Jack Ogden GP at The Lagom Clinic told The Standard.
“However, if friends are using it, harm-reduction steps include never inhaling directly from canisters (which can cause frostbite in the lungs), ensuring the area is well-ventilated, avoiding mixing it with alcohol or other drugs, and never using it alone, in case of sudden fainting.”
He adds that he’s also observed trends on social media platforms where drug use, including nitrous oxide, is “trivialised or glamorised.”
“Social media algorithms tend to amplify sensational or risky behaviour, and misinformation spreads faster than fact-based warnings. This creates a false sense of safety and normalises substances that can have life-altering effects,” he says.
People using nitrous oxide should never directly inhale it from the canister as the gas is very cold and can cause damage to the throat and lungs, such as frost bite.
“Our advice would be to try to minimise use, take regular breaks, and to seek help as soon as possible if people experience any of the above issues or are worried about the level of their use,” says Ram.
“There have been a number of car accidents involving people who have been inhaling nitrous oxide and it is worth highlighting how dangerous this is.”
Re-Solv provides support for people struggling with nitrous oxide use. Anyone can get in touch by emailing info@re-solv.org or by phoning 01785 817885. Local drug services can also provide support.
