The national trade body, the British Condensed Gases Association (BCGA), has issued new guidance outlining the risks of nitous oxide abuse.
The guide forms the basis of BCGA’s call for a ban on the sale of gas, which would ensure that it would only be obtained by those who purchased it for legitimate use in pharmaceuticals, dentistry or industries such as supplies.
Also known as laughter gas, nitrous oxide has become the second most common substance among 16- to 24-year-olds in England.
By 2019, half a million young people had used nitous oxide, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and 12% of deaths related to nitrogen or nitrous oxide-reported substances reported death.
Inhalation of nitrous oxide is very dangerous. Many of those who breathe it in do not understand its harm, in part because of slow-moving, abusive words like laughing gas, noz and balloons. The misuse of nitrous oxide, aided by its ease of access and ready for cartons, is a blow to our society. Nitric oxide has legitimate uses in the medical, food, chemical and sports industries, which is why we are calling on the Government to introduce a direct ban on consumer sales. ”
Ellen Daniels, Chief Executive, BCGA
BCGA’s Nitrous Oxide Misuse Guidance explains the lawful use of the gas, as well as getting into the way it is misused, transported, administered and administered. the potential consequences of abuse, which may include addiction, hypoxia and death with asphyxiation.
The guide can be found at http://bit.ly/BCGALeaflet
Source:
British Condensed Gases Association (BCGA)