Laughing gas ban 'no joke'
Laughing gas in clubs has serious side effects, healthcare authorities warn
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Tuesday, 06, Mar 2007 11:53
Nightclub owners and festival organisers have been warned that they face prosecution if laughing gas (nitrous oxide) is sold on the premises.
Although inhaling the gas is viewed by some as a 'harmless activity', healthcare authorities have warned that the consequences can be harmful.
The 'rush' users experience from laughing gas is caused by the brain being starved of oxygen, which can cause people to collapse.
Long-term dangers of inhalation include bone marrow suppression, poisoning of the central nervous system and blood cell problems. Side effects are worsened when the gas is combined with alcohol or other drugs.
The negative effects of the gas made headlines earlier this year when 23-year-old company director Daniel Watts was found asphyxiated through use of nitrous oxide.
Lacors, the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services, has written to councils across the UK recommending they warn nightclub owners, festival organisers and bars about the legal consequences of selling laughing gas.
"Councils clearly have a mandate to protect the safety of the public, and notifying venues in their areas of the danger posed by nitrous oxide is an important part of that," said Lacors chairman Councillor Geoffrey Theobald.
"We expect that the majority of venues once they get this warning will take steps to immediately withdraw this gas from public consumption.
"However to the small number that may not be warned, not only do you risk being prosecuted by your local authority, you are also risking the health and long term wellbeing of the public."