NITROUS OXIDE: awareness information and advice

What is it?

• A colourless and, mainly, odourless gas.
• Also known as laughing gas, noz or noxy.
• Comes in small silver pressurised containers (bulbs).
• Usually transferred from a canister into a balloon for inhaling.
• It’s a class C drug. Supply or possession with the intention of using to get high is illegal.

How does it make you feel?

• Users feel light-headed, dizzy, giggly and euphoric.
• Can also cause confusion, headaches and nausea.

What are the risks?

• Using pressurised gas directly from a cannister is dangerous.
• Inhaling in an enclosed space or putting your head in a bag of gas can lead to unconsciousness.
• Using in hazardous locations, like high buildings, close to water etc, is risky.
• Prolonged and heavy use can result in vitamin B deficiency and nerve damage.
• Symptoms of nerve damage can include numbness or pins and needles in the arms and/or legs.
• Excessive use can cause breathing difficulties and heart problems.