The number of serious cases after consumption of nitrous oxide has more than tripled, from 82 in 2020 to 265 in 2021.
The consumption of nitrous oxide or “laughing gas”, a substance with increasing popularity, has increased sharply in 2021, with increasingly higher doses absorbed and an increase in serious cases, detailed on Wednesday the drug agency (ANSM).
“This is an important public health concern,” summarized Christelle Ratignier-Carbonneil, Director General of ANSM.
According to the agency, in 2021, 472 “reports” of use were reported by healthcare professionals compared to 254 in 2020.
Up to 24 bottles per day and 48 bottles in one evening
This is the misuse for recreational purposes of culinary nitrous oxide. This can have serious, long-lasting neurological consequences and lead to hospitalization, especially in regular users. The number of serious cases reported is, as such, also increasing: it has more than tripled, from 82 in 2020 to 265 in 2021.
Another worrying phenomenon, the consumption of this gas “is becoming chronic”, notes Christelle Ratignier-Carbonneil. In fact, consumption is daily in almost half of the cases reported (47% of the cases reported) compared to 34% in 2020.
Doses are always higher: now bottles/carboys, whose caliber is equivalent to approximately 100 cartridges, represent the majority of forms consumed (71.6%) and consumption can go up to 24 bottles per day and 48 bottles in an evening.
Young consumers
The proportion of underage consumers has stabilized (11.2% against 13.4% in 2020). A law adopted in May 2021 banned the sale of this psychotropic to people under 18 and its marketing in drinking and tobacco outlets. Consumers remain young (22 years old on average) and 58% male (compared to 69% in 2020).
The consumption of nitrous oxide poses serious health risks. Neurological complications remain the most reported complications in 2021: they are present in 80% of cases (compared to 70% in 2020). New cardiovascular complications have also been reported.
In this context, the ANSM has just published a document intended for health professionals to help them identify the symptoms suggestive of nitrous oxide poisoning and to take care of a person in a situation of poisoning.
