Latest news with #laughinggas
CTV News
3 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
‘Serious health risks': Health Canada warns against recreational use of laughing gas
Health Canada issues a warning for recreational use of laughing gas - nitrous oxide - over "serious health risks." (Pexels/Stephen Andrews) Health Canada is warning people not to inhale nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, recreationally due to 'serious health risks, including death.' The health agency is aware that some of these products – labelled 'whip cream chargers' in various flavours – are being sold online and in retail stores. Several unauthorized products have been seized by the agency with the help of border authorities, in order to stop unauthorized shipments from entering the country. 'Advertising and selling nitrous oxide products for inhalation to the public is strictly prohibited,' Health Canada said in a safety alert. Nitrous oxide is a drug that can only be administered by an authorized health-care professional for sedation and pain relief during medical and dental procedures, the health agency says. When inhaled – or 'huffed' – laughing gas can cause serious adverse effects like increased heart rate, loss of consciousness, low blood pressure and lack of oxygen in the body, or asphyxia. It can cause issues like anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as birth defects, blood clots in the limbs and lungs, and air leaks between the lungs and chest wall. Other potential heart impacts include palpitations, heart attack and stroke. Nitrous oxide can damage nerves and contribute to spinal cord degeneration, as well as impair bladder and bowel functions, coordination while walking and sensation in the limbs and extremities. Confusion and delusion, agitation, hallucinations, feelings of paranoia and depression may also occur, and among the most serious health effects are prolonged pain, permanent paralysis and even death. Health Canada says prolonged use of the drug could result in lasting neurological damage, even after the usage has been stopped. Additionally, it can also result in addiction and withdrawal symptoms. In the case of inhalation, the health agency has advised seeking immediate medical attention from a health-care provider. 'Health Canada strongly advises that consumers not inhale any nitrous oxide products for recreational purposes,' the notice reads.
CBS News
5 days ago
- General
- CBS News
Emergency room visits for nitrous oxide misuse surge 757% over 4 years in Michigan
Michigan health officials are reporting a dramatic increase in emergency medical incidents relating to the recreational use of nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas." The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services related the circumstances in a press release issued Wednesday. Specifically, calls to the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center involving recreational nitrous oxide use and its adverse health effects increased by 533% from 2019 to 2024. That statistic is supported by a 553% increase in emergency medical service calls related to nitrous oxide during the same period. Emergency department visits also increased by 757% from 2019 to 2023. The medical complications of such use can include neurological damage and psychiatric effects. "This is a serious public health problem. At the MiPDC, our consultants are encountering a significant increase in cases involving neurological and cardiovascular effects related to the recreational use of nitrous oxide," said Dr. Varun Vohra, MiPDC senior director and clinical toxicologist. Starting in 2024, state law has prohibited the sale of items designed for recreational nitrous oxide use. The product is used in medical settings as an anesthetic and analgesic, and commercially in steel aerosol whipped cream dispensers. But it can also be bought online or at a variety of retail shops, with a variety of flavors that are considered attractive among younger people. "The drug landscape is constantly changing and the increases in nitrous oxide misuse are concerning, given the widespread availability of the product and the increase in multiple substance use," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, state chief medical executive. "It is crucial that individuals who use nitrous oxide are aware of the risks of chronic use and take steps to reduce its harms." Anyone who notices concerning symptoms after using nitrous oxide recreationally should seek emergency medical care. Individuals can also call the MiDPC at 800-222-1222 for information.
The Sun
14-05-2025
- The Sun
Moment teen inhales laughing gas at the wheel before smashing into pedestrian & leaving her with horror injuries
THIS is the moment a teenager inhales laughing gas behind the wheel moments before ploughing into a pedestrian. Shocking footage shows Louisa Tunstall, 19, driving her Fiat 500 in Wigan, East Lancashire, on May 24 last year. 8 8 8 CCTV captured from a roadside shop in Lowton shows the then 18-year-old,and her passenger inhaling nitrous oxide from two yellow balloons. Moments later, she crashed into a 51-year-old woman, causing her car to overturn. The woman was tragically left with serious life-changing injuries after the horror crash. Police bodycam clips later reveal the car flipped onto its side on Newton Road, having smashed into a female pedestrian. While sitting in the back of a cop car, and officer tells Tunstall: "There's some suggestions that somebody's been doing balloons. "Balloons are a controlled drug, exactly the same as cannabis." Tunstall claimed she looked away from the road while reaching for something in the footwell. She did admit to buying the nitrous oxide to have that night. A forensic examination of her Fiat 500 showed no defects that would have contributed to the crash. 8 8 8 It was determined the nitrous oxide would have had an effect on reaction time and likely led to impairment in driving performance. Tunstall, of Bradwell Road in Lowton, Wigan was yesterday sentenced to one year and eight months at Bolton Crown Court. She was charged with possession of a Class C drug, driving under the influence of drugs and causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The 19-year-old was also disqualified from driving for two years and eight months. She will have to take an extended test when she is released. Also known as laughing gas, the substance can cause euphoria, relaxation, dizziness, giggling or laughing fits. It can also impair judgement and occasionally dissociation as well as hallucinations. In her victim impact statement, the woman hit by Tunstall said: 'Every night I go for a walk and use the same route. I usually walk with my daughter, however on this evening I was walking alone. 'When all of a sudden, I was banged into from behind which caused me to fall to the floor. 'I remember lying on the floor and looking down at my left leg and seeing blood dripping down. I looked up and saw a white car on its side. 'I do not remember feeling any pain at the time. I was shouting for help, I felt like I was whispering, it didn't seem real. 'In the coming days I started to be made aware of the gravity of the situation. I have had to have a number of operations to try to fix my leg, at the time I do not have full use of my left leg." The woman told how she used to play netball three to four times a week prior to the accident. She has not been able to participate in the sport, which she has enjoyed for 18 years, since. The victim told the court this has had a "significant impact" on her mental health. She explained how the crash has also impacted her family in a huge way as she now relies on relatives for basic tasks. 'My daughter has become my full-time carer which isn't fair on her as she is currently studying at university," she said. "The incident is still very raw when I think about it, I become upset when I think at everything which has been taken away from me and the ongoing affect it has had and continues to have on my daily life." The 51-year-old said she can't even look at the road where she was struck. 'When I think about the actions of the driver, I feel like she has turned my world upside down," she continued. "I have missed so much in my life, and I feel that she can just go about her business as normal with no understanding of the consequences for her actions.' Investigating officer PC Stefan Bielizna from the Roads Policing Unit added: 'It is clear to see the catastrophic effects the actions of Tunstall have had on the victim. 'The victim's bravery and support in this case to enable to pursue a prosecution should be commended and we hope she can continue her recovery safe in the knowledge that justice has been served. "It was made clear by the Judge that drivers under the influence of nitrous oxide, like in this case, will be given time behind bars if they choose to get behind the wheel. 'Being in possession and especially under the influence of nitrous oxide has similar effects to other drugs and can severely impair your capability to drive. 'There is no excuse for taking other people's lives into your hands due to the reckless and selfish behaviours that Tunstall has shown. 'As a unit we are constantly patrolling the road network to catch those who are intent on breaking the law, whether that be dangerous driving, being under the influence or having no insurance. "Our proactive approach to keeping the roads safe has seen a 4% decrease in traffic related incidents across Greater Manchester over the last 12 months.' 8 8
BBC News
13-05-2025
- BBC News
Kendal: Warning after laughing gas bottles found near playground
Thirteen canisters of nitrous oxide have been found near a children's play area in small cartridges of so-called 'laughing gas' were discovered in Kendal on Sunday by a South Lakes Police Community Support Officer. Possession of nitrous oxide became a criminal offence in England and Wales in April 2024, as part of plans to tackle anti-social have sent out a warning to local retailers following the discovery. A post on the South Lakes Police Facebook page read: "Young people have been known to use this stuff as a drug for a while now. "Symptoms include light-headedness, headaches and fainting. "Studies show that heavy use can cause a B12 deficiency, damage to the nerves in the spinal cord, muscle stiffness, weak limbs and issues with bowel and bladder. "Retailers found to be recklessly selling nitrous oxide on, can face prosecution and a prison sentence." Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
News.com.au
07-05-2025
- News.com.au
Mum, 21, dies at home while battling chest infection
A young mum has died at home after inhaling laughing gas while battling a chest infection, an inquest was told. Kira Booth was discovered in her flat in Burnley, England, by a support worker in November after she went silent on social media for 24 hours. An inquest into the 21-year-old's death heard a large number of nitrous oxide containers were found at her home. Two were discovered near her bed and sofa, while a further 18 were packaged up ready to be thrown out. Police also found two small bags that may have contained cocaine at the flat. A post mortem showed there was no trauma related to Kira's cause of death. While toxicology revealed recent cocaine use, nitrous oxide could not be detected as it leaves the body upon death. The court was told Kira had been struggling with a chest infection at the time of her death. Her family said she left home through her own choice at a young age, but regularly kept in touch with her five siblings and her parents. They described her as a 'very kind and generous' person who was active in a lot of sports such as swimming, gymnastics, football, and dancing. The family were not aware Kira had been taking drugs at first and later believed it was just recreational. Mum Carla Booth said her daughter had struggled with her mental health after being diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Kira had been sectioned a number of times and had lived in a mother and baby unit before moving into her own home. Her baby was taken away last July after she told a social worker she had been hearing voices. Kira was granted access two to three times a week, the court heard. Coroner Kate Bisset recorded a conclusion of misadventure, saying: 'Kira Booth died on November 12, 2024, at her home address, having consumed nitrous oxide while suffering with a chest infection.' The coroner said Kira had a 'strong will to live' and that her records showed she 'worked through her difficulties.' She said: 'Kira wasn't someone who had given up on normal life and was engaging in all sorts of drugs. 'She was someone who managed her problems by having a positive time experimenting with substances. She was not a habitual user.'
