Rise in Nitrous Oxide Overdoses Reflected in Spike in Emergency Calls

Germany Witnesses Surge in Nitrous Oxide Poisonings Among Youth

A concerning trend of nitrous oxide poisonings has been reported across Germany, with the number of cases nearly doubling from 2023 to 2024. According to the Poison Information Centre North, they handled 34 consultations on nitrous oxide poisonings in 2024, compared to 19 in the previous year.

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is often purchased in cartridges and inhaled through balloons. It has gained popularity among young people and young adults as a party drug. In Berlin and Brandenburg, the number of inquiries about nitrous oxide poisonings rose from 35 to 66. The poison hotline responsible for Bavaria, Munich, recorded six cases in 2023 and twelve in 2024.

The rise in cases has not been limited to these regions. The organization responsible for the regions of Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg, and Schleswig-Holstein, currently experiencing an increase in consultations about poisonings with the legal drug Nitrox, is the Poison Control Centre (Giftnotruf) in Göttingen. The number of inquiries about nitrous oxide poisonings has also increased in the states of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia.

Toxicologist Katrin Romanek reported that mainly young adults have been affected in Bavaria. Adolescents have also been affected, with three cases involving individuals aged 14 to 17. In one case, a schoolchild aged 6 to 13 was affected in Bavaria.

The German government has taken notice of this issue and has introduced a bill to ban the acquisition and possession of nitrous oxide for minors. Toxicologist Steindl calls for a bundle of measures, including a prohibition on advertising and awareness campaigns about the serious long-term effects of nitrous oxide. In some cases, nitrous oxide poisoning has resulted in permanent damage such as paralysis of arm and leg muscles.

In the wake of these developments, online trade of nitrous oxide should be banned, according to some experts. The organization responsible for the regions of Baden-Württemberg has already seen a rise in inquiries about nitrous oxide, with 6 inquiries in 2023 and already 17 in 2024.

Human toxicologist Dagmar Prasa, director of the Joint Poison Information Centre (GIZ) based in Erfurt, reported these cases. She emphasized the need for continued vigilance and education to combat this growing problem. As the numbers continue to rise, it is clear that action is needed to protect the health and safety of Germany's youth.