Waste company collecting 3,000 used 'fast gas' canisters a week, drugs committee hears

Discarded silver-coloured canisters are a telltale sign that people have been ‘huffing’ nitrous oxide. However, volatile substance abuse (VSA) can involve a wide spectrum of substances including deodorant sprays. File Picture: PA

A surge in teenagers inhaling nitrous oxide, or "fast gas", is spiralling out of control, with one waste company collecting 3,000 discarded cannisters a week.

Health authorities are also reporting a rise in psychiatric hospital admissions of teens due to inhaling the gas.