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Councils issue health warning on 'laughing gas' use Councils issue health warning on 'laughing gas' use
(about 2 hours later)
A health warning has been issued by councils across England and Wales about the dangers of inhaling "laughing gas".A health warning has been issued by councils across England and Wales about the dangers of inhaling "laughing gas".
Formally known as nitrous oxide, the gas - mostly used in medicine - has become a popular recreational drug, known for its relaxing effects.Formally known as nitrous oxide, the gas - mostly used in medicine - has become a popular recreational drug, known for its relaxing effects.
The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents about 400 councils, issued the health warning and said that councils are seizing large hauls of the drug.The Local Government Association (LGA), which represents about 400 councils, issued the health warning and said that councils are seizing large hauls of the drug.
Taking the gas is not illegal.Taking the gas is not illegal.
The LGA issued the warning on behalf of councils - which took over responsibility for public health matters in April 2013.The LGA issued the warning on behalf of councils - which took over responsibility for public health matters in April 2013.
The gas is inhaled by users in a balloon, and the LGA estimated that approximately 500,000 young people frequently take nitrous oxide.The gas is inhaled by users in a balloon, and the LGA estimated that approximately 500,000 young people frequently take nitrous oxide.
The LGA warning states that regular intake of the chemical can lead to oxygen deprivation, which can result in loss of blood pressure, fainting and even heart attacks.The LGA warning states that regular intake of the chemical can lead to oxygen deprivation, which can result in loss of blood pressure, fainting and even heart attacks.
It also warns that prolonged exposure can cause anaemia, bone marrow suppression and poisoning of the central nervous system.It also warns that prolonged exposure can cause anaemia, bone marrow suppression and poisoning of the central nervous system.
'Glamorised craze''Glamorised craze'
The association also said that it was concerned by some internet clips, which had been posted on social networking sites and appeared to show children inhaling the gas.The association also said that it was concerned by some internet clips, which had been posted on social networking sites and appeared to show children inhaling the gas.
Katie Hall, chairwoman of the LGA's community wellbeing board, said: "It is deeply disturbing that this drug, which can be highly dangerous, is still widely viewed as safe.Katie Hall, chairwoman of the LGA's community wellbeing board, said: "It is deeply disturbing that this drug, which can be highly dangerous, is still widely viewed as safe.
"It is imperative that users understand just how harmful it can be. This gas can kill - and much more needs to be done to get this message across.""It is imperative that users understand just how harmful it can be. This gas can kill - and much more needs to be done to get this message across."
She also called on internet corporations to "step up to the plate" and "show responsibility by providing health warnings and links to drug awareness charities".She also called on internet corporations to "step up to the plate" and "show responsibility by providing health warnings and links to drug awareness charities".
"It is wholly unacceptable that this craze is being glamorised and encouraged in this way," she said."It is wholly unacceptable that this craze is being glamorised and encouraged in this way," she said.
The LGA said warning leaflets have been distributed to pupils at some schools and youth clubs.The LGA said warning leaflets have been distributed to pupils at some schools and youth clubs.
Council officials in Norfolk, Hertfordshire and Thames Valley have all reported increasing numbers of "laughing gas" cannisters being found.Council officials in Norfolk, Hertfordshire and Thames Valley have all reported increasing numbers of "laughing gas" cannisters being found.
Hackney Council in east London said that it confiscated more than 1,200 cannisters of the chemical on just one Saturday night in July outside the pubs and clubs in Shoreditch.Hackney Council in east London said that it confiscated more than 1,200 cannisters of the chemical on just one Saturday night in July outside the pubs and clubs in Shoreditch.
What are your experiences of using laughing gas? What do you think about the action the councils are taking? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk, including your contact details and using the heading 'laughing gas'.