Concerns rise as nitrous oxide misuse surges among young people

The growing popularity of nitrous oxide is evident in the empty canisters that litter streets, parks, playgrounds, and car parks around the country. Picture: Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

There are rising concerns about the prevalence of nitrous oxide misuse among young people as seizures of the potentially lethal gas skyrocket.

Revenue seized over 54,600 canisters of nitrous oxide last year amid attempts to crack down on the recreational use of the substance.

In the final four months of 2023, nine operations resulted in the seizure of 8,555 canisters. In 2022, just 584 canisters were seized, indicating that the batches coming into the country are growing.

The sale of psychoactive substances for human consumption, including nitrous oxide, is prohibited.

A bill to plug the gaps in legislation currently being exploited was before the Seanad last year but has since been shelved and is not listed as a priority piece of legislation for the Government.

The growing popularity of nitrous oxide — also known as laughing gas, hippy crack, and whippits — is evident in the empty canisters that litter streets, parks, playgrounds, and car parks around the country.

Social media is also driving its use among younger people as videos on apps like TikTok are becoming increasingly common.

The euphoric and numbing feeling many get from inhaling it means the substance is perceived as a "cheap high," with canisters of the gas being sold for €5 or sometimes less.

The health risks from the misuse of nitrous oxide range from nausea or dizziness to seizures and even death.

In 2020, a 15-year-old Dublin boy died after taking the substance, while a 14-year-old girl had to be resuscitated and suffered extensive frostbite last year.

When inhaled directly from a canister, the intensely cold gas enters the system at around minus 40C and can cause frostbite to the lips, throat, and vocal cords.

It can also lead to long-term health issues such as numbness of hands and feet, memory loss and mental health conditions such as depression and psychosis.

Previously, small silver canisters, known as bullets, were commonly used by young people but now there has been a shift towards larger industrial-sized ones.

Nitrous oxide can be legally purchased as it has a legitimate use in the catering industry, but Revenue has the power to seize it where there are reasonable grounds to believe it is being imported with the intention of using it for illegitimate purposes.