Increased cases of nitrous oxide poisonings reported during emergency calls

In recent years, there has been a concerning increase in the number of cases of nitrous oxide poisoning among young people in Germany and the Netherlands.

According to a Dutch study from 2020, more than one in ten 18- to 24-year-olds had used nitrous oxide in the past 12 months. This trend seems to be mirrored in Germany, where the number of inquiries about nitrous oxide poisoning nearly doubled from 2023 to 2024.

The Poison Information Centre North reported 34 consultations on nitrous oxide poisoning, up from 19 in the previous year. Similarly, the poison hotline responsible for Bavaria, Munich recorded a rise in cases from 6 in 2023 to 12 in 2024, and 5 cases since January 2025.

In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, there was an increase in calls about nitrous oxide poisoning from 4 in 2023 to 9 in 2024, and 8 since the beginning of 2025. The Poison Information Centre for Baden-Württemberg reported 6 inquiries in 2023 and 17 in 2024.

The federal government has introduced a bill to prohibit the acquisition and possession of nitrous oxide for minors, aiming to curb this rising trend. The bill also plans to ban online sales and purchases from vending machines.

Nitrous oxide, often used as a party drug, can be purchased in cartridges and inhaled through balloons. Some incidents in the Netherlands were related to driving under the influence of nitrous oxide, while others were due to inflating balloons while driving.

In Germany, there have been tragic incidents involving young adults. A 23-year-old is believed to have driven into a group of e-scooter riders under the influence of nitrous oxide in early July, killing two young men.

Toxicologists in Germany have reported cases involving teenagers and schoolchildren. Human toxicologist Dagmar Prasa reported that affected in these states were three teenagers aged 14 to 17 and one schoolchild aged 6 to 13.

In the Netherlands, studies suggest that many people use nitrous oxide. A study from the UK, Netherlands, and Denmark also supports this, indicating that nitrous oxide use is a widespread issue.

However, proving a link between nitrous oxide abuse and neurological problems in teenagers admitted to hospital can be difficult, according to toxicologist Katrin Romanek. Permanent damage such as paralysis of the arm and leg muscles has been reported in some cases of nitrous oxide poisoning.

The rise in nitrous oxide poisoning cases among young people is a serious concern. As more cases are reported, it becomes increasingly important to address this issue and implement measures to reduce its prevalence.

Increased cases of nitrous oxide poisonings reported during emergency calls