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British Compressed Gases Associationwww.bcga.co.uk

ABUSE OF NITROUS OXIDE

The increasing abuse of N2O, aided by the ease of obtaining and ready availability of cartridges, is a blight on our society. It is clear that numerous Members of Parliament, Local Authorities and other organisations share our concern about this scourge on our society. This has led BCGA to call upon Government to combat this problem through introducing a straightforward ban on consumer sales.

For more information:British Compressed Gases Association (BCGA) www.bcga.co.uk/gasabuse

The widespread abuse of N2O often operates alongside criminal activity. Cylinders are stolen from hospitals (with the consequences of non-availability of the gas for patients and increased costs for the NHS in managing sites and security requirements). There are counterfeit cartridges made, some containing N2O, others a cheaper gas, which may be even more dangerous to abuse than N2O. These cartridges may not be made to the required standard and some have exploded unexpectedly! There is a growing trend of street sellers who illegally sell the cartridges knowing that the gas will be abused.

N2O is not fun to take, it is not safe to abuse it in any way, especially through inhalation. There are serious direct and indirect side effects and there have been many deaths!

Published: December 2020 Produced by: BCGA ISSN: 2398-9394Registered in England - Company number 71798

Often a balloon is filled, either direct from a gas cylinder or more commonly through a cartridge opening device, such as a ‘Cracker’. The gas is then inhaled from the balloon.

A hazardous and irresponsible act!

When inhaled, N2O slows down brain and body responses, the effects will depend on a number of factors, including the quantity inhaled. Abusers may experience:

• feelings of euphoria, relaxation and calmness;

• fits of giggles and laughter;• sound distortions and hallucinations;• in some cases, severe medical reactions,

including death.

BALLOONS AND N20

CARTRIDGES AND N20

There are two devices in common use for opening a cartridge:

A ‘cracker’ device whose sole purpose appears to be to open a cartridge and fill an attached balloon.

A cream whipper used in the catering trade (in catering, the gas is combined with a cream mix).

CONSEQUENCES

CALL FOR RETAIL BAN

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INTRODUCTION

N2O has been in use as a medical gas, used for its anaesthetic and analgesic properties, since the 1800’s. In this application it is usually mixed with oxygen. More recently it has been supplied for use in the catering industry for synthetic cream dispense. As such, its use is controlled under both pharmaceutical and food regulations.

USES

Inhalation of nitrous oxide (N2O) is highly dangerous. Many of those who inhale N2O do not appreciate its harm, partly because of slang terms which trivialise the use of N2O, such as ‘Laughing Gas’. There are also those who wrongly assume that that it is safe to inhale because it is used as a medical gas.

As a consequence, BCGA have called on Government to tackle the widespread and increasing misuse of N2O, especially amongst young people, including a ban on direct consumer sales.

N2O has valid and lawful uses. When used correctly it has legitimate uses in the medical, food, chemical and sports industries. However, it is also misused, primarily through casual inhalation. BCGA supports the legitimate and safe use of N2O, but strongly disapproves of the personal inhalation of N2O, except where it is prescribed for use as a medicine under the control of a medical practitioner.

N2O is a colourless gas, with a mild odour (sweet) and taste. It is a non-toxic, non-flammable and denser than air gas, but it is an oxidant. This means that it enhances the combustion process; substances which would otherwise not combust will combust. As it does not contain oxygen it is also an asphyxiant.

It is supplied in a range of containers, but for catering use, it is supplied in a range of large cylinders for professional use and in a small 8g cartridge for domestic and small business use. N2O is stored as a liquid in the container, but rapidly converts to a gas on release to the atmosphere. Typically, large gas cylinders are supplied by (and returned back to) a gas supply company under a rental agreement. The small 8g gas cartridges are often sold directly to consumers. They are not re-usable but, as they are made from steel, they can be recycled and should be disposed of responsibly.

WHAT IS N2O?

It may be referred to as Nos or Noz, Laughing Gas, Hippy Crack, Balloons, amongst other slang terms.

HOW IS N20 KNOWN?There is a safety and environmental impact from incorrect disposal of the cartridges. Irresponsible discarding in public areas, footpaths, roads, etc., causes a significant litter problem as well as a creating a slip hazard to pedestrians, cyclists and those riding motor bikes.

Under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 a seller commits an offence if they knowingly or recklessly manufacture, import or supply psychoactive substances, including N2O, for human use as a psychoactive substance. The Act had some effect in curbing the overt sale of N2O, filled into balloons on street corners, in clubs and at festivals, but it is clear that this mode of supply has been replaced by providing 8 g mini-canisters, which are cheaply and freely available to buy in corner shops and from internet sites.

CARTRIDGES

Individual steel cartridge containing 8 g of N2O. Also known as Chargers, Whippets or Whip-its, Nangs and Bulbs.

The consequences of inhaling N2O can be:

THE HARM CAUSED

Immediate death by asphyxiation (suffocation)

Hypoxia (a lack of oxygen which gives rise to the psychoactive effect), triggering heart arrest, resulting in death

Long term damage to the central nervous system, which can result in paralysis

Addiction from long term abuse

Inducing a state of intoxication, where the effects will change normal mood, physical and mental abilities, resulting in poor coordination, impaired judgement, etc

The increased dangers of accidents and inci-dents whilst intoxicated, for example, assaults, robberies, road traffic accidents, etc