Nitrous oxide ban in UK ‘not based on scientific evidence’
Government action on of N2O goes against recommendations of drug advisory committee
The recreational drug nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, will be banned under government plans to clamp down on anti-social behaviour. Possessing nitrous oxide for consumption will be made a criminal offence, a move that goes against the advice of the government’s advisory committee.
Nitrous oxide is used as an analgesic and in catering. However, it’s known to cause harm if consumed in excessive amounts. For example, it can lead to spinal cord degeneration as it interferes with vitamin B12 metabolism. ‘While the frequency of [spinal cord degeneration] is increasing with the increasing use of nitrous oxide, as a percentage of those affected, compared to those who consume it, it remains exceedingly rare,’ says David Caldicott, senior lecturer at the Australian National University Medical School.