Local authority leaders have called for a clamp down on the use of nitrous oxide – or laughing gas – for recreational purposes as a new study reveals its harmful impact.
The new report, published yesterday by the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD), says that its persistent use can lead to neurological harms, including nerve and spinal cord damage.
It also reports that there have been ‘anecdotal reports’ of an increase in social harms such as driving under the influence and littering.
Responding to the report, Cllr David Fothergill, chairman of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Community Wellbeing Board, said: ‘The problems caused by nitrous oxide in our local communities are no laughing matter.’
He continued: ‘As this report recommends, the Government should now take steps to close loopholes that can allow people to buy nitrous oxide for recreational purposes as well as clamping down the volume of what people can buy and the online sale of the substance.
‘Councils want to work with the Government to make sure these new regulations can be as successful as possible.’
