Surge in Laughing Gas Intoxications Observed

Significant surge in reported nitrous oxide intoxication incidents observed

A growing concern over the misuse of nitrous oxide, a popular party drug among young people, has emerged in Germany. According to regional poison control centers, cases of nitrous oxide poisonings are significantly increasing, with the Munich Poison Control Center receiving six calls in 2023 and twelve in 2024.

The North Poison Information Centre (NPIC) reported 34 consultations in 2024, compared to 19 in the previous year. The Poison Information Centre (PIC) in Baden-Württemberg also saw a rise, with inquiries increasing from 6 to 17 over the same period.

In neighbouring countries, the situation is equally alarming. A study from the Netherlands in 2020 reported that more than one in ten 18 to 24-year-olds had taken nitrous oxide in the past 12 months. In Germany, possession of nitrous oxide is already illegal for minors, following similar regulations in the UK, the Netherlands, and Denmark.

Nitrous oxide, or dinitrogen monoxide (N2O), is inhaled through balloons purchased in cartridges. However, improper disposal of gas cylinders can lead to explosions, as warned by a city cleaning department campaign in Hamburg. Yet, there seems to be a lack of awareness campaigns about the health risks associated with nitrous oxide use.

The health impacts of nitrous oxide abuse can be severe. In some cases, it has led to permanent damage such as paralysis of the arm and leg muscles. The head of the Joint Poison Information Centre (GIZ) based in Erfurt, Dagmar Prasa, stated that proving nitrous oxide involvement in hospitalized young people with neurological problems can be difficult.

Toxicologist David Steindl calls for a package of measures, including the prohibition of advertising and awareness campaigns to inform young people about the long-term effects of nitrous oxide. The federal government has introduced a bill to ban the purchase and possession of nitrous oxide for minors, and the planned law aims to ban online trading and purchase from vending machines of nitrous oxide.

The European Union Drugs Agency (EUDA) has pointed out the risk of accidents associated with nitrous oxide use. Meanwhile, discussions are underway in Germany regarding CO2 storage laws, renewable energy use, and industry transformation towards lower emissions, which indirectly relate to emissions management and nitrogen oxide emission concerns.

In some German states, such as Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, and Thuringia, the number of calls to the poison control center has increased, with eight cases since the beginning of the year. It is crucial to address this issue and implement measures to prevent the misuse of nitrous oxide and protect the health and safety of young people.