Saturday, January 4, 2025
Islamabad (UrduPoint News International/ Pakistan Point News - DW Urdu - 04 January 2025) According to health experts, the use of nitrous oxide gas is increasing among young people because they are given the impression that this gas is safe for them. In addition, neither a dealer is required to purchase nitrous oxide nor does the buyer have to reach the age of 21.
In the UK, a law has been passed in 2023 banning the use of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.
It has been included in the list of prohibited drugs in the Netherlands. Its sale in retail stores was banned in the US state of Louisiana in May this year, while German authorities are also considering measures in this regard.
What is laughing gas and why is it easily available?
Nitrous oxide is a chemical substance that, when ingested, calms a person’s nerves and makes them laugh involuntarily.
It is also used when a patient needs immediate pain relief, such as after wisdom teeth extraction or during childbirth.
However, when it is used for recreational purposes, its effect lasts for a few seconds or minutes. Therefore, users sniff it repeatedly to maintain the feeling they get from it.
In addition to medical purposes, nitrous oxide gas is also used to make whipped cream, which is why it is readily available in grocery stores.
Regarding the harmful effects of nitrous oxide, Dewan Mayer, a health expert associated with a campaign at Queen Mary University of London, said that sales of nitrous oxide have increased after 2017.
Can nitrous oxide gas have addictive effects?
A study conducted in the year 2023 tried to find out whether nitrous oxide gas can have addictive effects on the human body or not.
The study found that people who use nitrous oxide excessively show at least four clear signs of addiction.
The researchers concluded that nitrous oxide “may be addictive” and suggested that until further research is done, it should be considered a substance that can cause addiction.
How common is laughing gas use?
According to a 2020 British government report, nitrous oxide is the second most commonly used recreational drug among young people aged 16 to 24.
The use of the gas as a recreational drug is also increasing in other European countries and the United States.
According to a 2018 study in China, the habit of using nitrous oxide among young people came from their peers who had returned from studying abroad.
Its sale for recreational purposes is banned in Australia and Japan.
What are the adverse effects of laughing gas on human health?
Excessive use of nitrous oxide can reduce the amount of vitamin B12 in the body, which can affect the nervous system.
Experts say that if a person who uses nitrous oxide excessively shows serious symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, he should consult a doctor immediately.
These symptoms include numbness in the hands or feet, tingling, unsteady gait, muscle stiffness, tremors, and bladder or bowel problems.
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