Crimestoppers
Fearless - our youth service
Nitrous oxide is no laughing matter
We’ve launched a campaign across County Durham and Darlington raising awareness of the dangers of using nitrous oxide and asking the public to speak up to our charity 100% anonymously, with information on who is selling nitrous oxide canisters illegally and where.
What exactly is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is a colourless gas. It acts as a short-term sedative and pain reliever and is widely used in medicine and dentistry, where it is mixed with oxygen.
How is it being used illegally?
Balloons are filled with the gas from a canister and inhaled. But where, in a medical setting, nitrous oxide is a carefully controlled mixture of pure gas and oxygen delivered through a dedicated mask, inhaling from a balloon typically uses unregulated amounts of commercial-grade gas with no added oxygen.
Nitrous oxide is a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It is illegal when it is possessed, supplied or manufactured for recreational inhalation. This also includes export and import.
What are the risks of using it?
The effects that nitrous oxide has depends on how much has been inhaled, but in general it causes the brain and the body’s responses to slow down.
Some other effects are:
- Risk of falling unconscious and or suffocating from lack of oxygen which could happen in enclosed spaces (a car) or by using with a plastic bag over the head.
- Using could result in having an accident or, worse, death and/or causing the death of others.
- Heavy regular use can lead to a vitamin B12 deficiency and a form of anaemia.
- A severe B12 deficiency could lead to serious nerve damage, which causes tingling and numbness in fingers and toes making it painful and difficult to walk. It can even lead to paralysis, and the damage may be lasting.
- Long-term recreational use can lead to irreversible neurological damage.
- Inhaling direct from a canister is extremely dangerous. The gas is under high pressure and very cold which can cause throat spasm, lung damage and deep burns.
Do you have information about who is selling nitrous oxide canisters illegally and where?
You can tell us, as a charity, independent of the police, and remain 100% anonymous – guaranteed.
Call free any time of the day or night, on 0800 555 111, or fill in our quick and secure online form, here on our website:
The law
Like drink-driving, driving when high is dangerous and illegal. Being caught driving under the influence could lead to a prison sentence and driving disqualification.
Possession of nitrous oxide is illegal, unless it can be shown it was possessed for one of the legitimate statutory exemptions. If not, possession could lead to an unlimited fine, a community punishment or a caution which will appear on a criminal record.
Being arrested multiple times could lead to a prison sentence of up to two years, an unlimited fine, or both.
Supply or production could lead to up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.
Got information?
Call free any time of the day or night, on 0800 555 111, or fill in our quick and secure online form, here on our website:
Crimestoppers is a national charity, and independent of the police. We never ask for your personal details and cannot identify anyone who contacts us.
Support services
County Durham Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services
