The crack down on Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is long overdue, and it’s use has been a significant concern in Oldham, with public use seemingly increasing during the period of lockdown when younger people would meet in car parks and other public spaces.
Over the last year I have been increasingly concerned about the scaling of use from small silver canisters which could be found in their hundreds scattered across the borough, to commercial size canisters used on foods such as whipping cream. During community litter picks it would be common to collect smaller units in the hundreds in some locations.
Nitrous Oxide is a colourless, slightly sweet smelling, non-flammable gas which has become popular recreationally because of its euphoric effects. It has been used by around 1 in 12 young people aged 16-24 in the last year making it the second most common street drug after cannabis.
I have asked Oldham Council in its capacity overseeing public health, and Greater Manchester Police for greater awareness raising to be increased both with young people and their parents.
The council report that; The number of deaths and demand for treatment for problematic use of nitrous oxide remains low compared to other drugs with deaths linked to nitrous oxide use are primarily due to oxygen deprivation.
There have, however, been reports of an increase in neurological harms, including nerve and spinal cord damage, related to heavy and persistent use. Long term effects and known harms are limited but regular use can lead to red blood cell problems that could result in anaemia.”
The link to the use of Nitrous Oxide related to anti-social behaviour is reported to be weak, but the harms are of a concern enough to invest in raising awareness to see it’s use reduce.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 