'Deadly' laughing gas canisters discovered on the street

Police are urging parents to warn their children of the dangers of “laughing gas” after canisters of the potentially deadly high were found on a street.

Laughing gas, also called nitrous oxide, has several legitimate uses such as in whipped cream machines but are sometimes taken by young people to get ‘high’ even though it can result in death.

The silver canisters were found by officers up the Old Warren in Broughton, Flintshire, yesterday (Thursday, July 26).

South Flintshire Police said: “#WARNING Nitrous oxide canisters (laughing gas) found up the Old Warren in Broughton. Young people are inhaling potentially lethal gasses, these dangers are heightened by this extreme #Hot weather. Please educate your children on the dangers of inhaling substances.”

FRANK, the friendly, confidential drug advice service, advises people to steer clear of nitrous oxide.

The service warns that there is a risk of death when inhaling the gas as a lack of oxygen can occur – this risk becomes greater if it is consumed in an enclosed space or if a substantial amount is rapidly inhaled.

Nitrous oxide can also cause dizziness or affect your judgement, which might make you act carelessly or dangerously and put you at risk of hurting yourself, particularly in an unsafe environment.

Heavy regular use of nitrous oxide can also lead to deficiency of vitamin B12 and to a form of anaemia.

The severe B12 deficiency can lead to serious nerve damage in some cases, which causes tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes and other extremities, and even difficulties with walking and pains in affected areas.

Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol is also especially dangerous as it can increase the risks associated with both substances and can lead to an increased risk of accidents or death, according to FRANK.

Although laughing gas has been legal in the past, it has been illegal since May 2016 to supply or import nitrous oxide for human consumption.

Anyone with information about the capsules should calll North Wales Police on 101.