Laughing gas causes many dangers, Ministry of Health proposes strict management of production and trading of N2O gas

SGGPO 08/25/2023 18:30

Using laughing balloons containing N2O gas is especially dangerous when used with certain drugs, causing loss of behavioral control, causing disorder and danger to society.

The Ministry of Health has just warned about the dangers of using laughing gas containing Nitrous Oxide (N2O) after receiving reports from a number of localities about the increasing trend of buying and using laughing gas at bars, dance clubs, karaoke bars, and entertainment venues.

The Ministry of Health stated that N2O is a chemical widely used in many fields such as: in industry (production of solar cells, welding, cutting, analytical equipment...); in medicine for anesthesia, sedation, pain relief in dentistry, obstetrics, sports... and in food as an additive permitted for use according to the list of the International Food Standards Commission (Codex).

Particularly for the food sector, the Ministry of Health issued Circular 24/2019/TT-BYT dated August 30, 2019 regulating the management and use of food additives, in which N2O is a food additive that functions as a propellant gas, foaming agent, packaging gas, and antioxidant permitted for use in certain types of food, such as: fermented milk, cream, peeled and sliced ​​fresh fruit, noodles... in accordance with Codex regulations.

Laughing gas abuse is harmful to health and causes loss of behavioral control.

According to the Ministry of Health, currently, reports from the authorities show that the abuse and improper use of N2O gas for entertainment (using laughing gas) when inhaled into the body can cause disorders such as: tingling sensation in the extremities and staggering, causing mood disorders, memory disorders, sleep disorders, affecting the cardiovascular system, lowering blood pressure, and cerebral ischemia. Using laughing gas containing N2O gas is especially dangerous when used with certain drugs, causing loss of behavioral control, causing insecurity and disorder and endangering society.

To ensure health safety and security for society, the Ministry of Health recommends that localities closely monitor and manage the production, trading, import and use of N2O in accordance with the provisions of law; strictly handle acts of abuse and misuse of N2O gas. At the same time, strengthen information,education and communication to people, especially teenagers, pupils and students about the harmful effects and consequences of abuse and misuse of N2O gas. Enterprises must strictly comply with regulations and principles on the use of food additives and must not abuse or misuse N2O gas.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/bong-cuoi-gay-nhieu-hiem-hoa-bo-y-te-de-nghi-quan-ly-chat-san-xuat-kinh-doanh-khi-n2o-post703073.html