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| The Ministry of Health has received information that in some localities there is a situation of buying, selling and using 'laughing balloons' containing Nitrogen Oxide (N2O) gas, especially at bars, dance clubs, karaoke bars, entertainment areas... (Source: SK&DS) |
The Ministry of Health has just sent a document to the Department of Health of provinces and cities regarding strengthening the management of production, trading and use of Nitrogen Oxide (N2O) gas products.
According to Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen, recently, the Ministry of Health has received information that in some localities there has been a situation of buying, selling and using 'laughing balloons' containing Nitrogen Oxide gas (N2O), especially at bars, dance clubs, karaoke bars, entertainment areas...
The Ministry of Health said that Nitrogen Oxide gas (chemical name is Dinitrogen monoxide) has the chemical formula N2O, is a chemical used in industry (production of solar cells, in welding and cutting techniques, for machines, analytical equipment, increasing engine capacity...);
N2O is also used in food production and processing (listed as a food additive by the Codex Alimentarius Commission) and is being studied for use as a sedative and pain reliever in dentistry.
However, the abuse and improper use of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) gas can have negative effects on human health, especially in young people due to nerve stimulation, excitement and laughter; long-term use will lead to autism, headaches, fatigue, physical weakness; high doses can lead to hallucinations... negatively affecting social life.
To strengthen the management of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) gas according to legal regulations and prevent abuse and misuse, the Ministry of Health has issued an official dispatch requesting the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to direct the strengthening of inspection, examination and supervision of establishments importing, trading and decanting Nitrous Oxide (N2O) gas products to ensure compliance with legal regulations on chemical management as well as food additive management.
Companies must declare the import and trading of Nitrogen Oxide (N2O) gas as a food additive; inspection and examination of food safety regulations in general prioritize the inspection of state inspection declarations of imported food before customs clearance, inspection of compliance with regulations in Circular No. 25/2019/TT-BYT dated August 30, 2019 of the Ministry of Health regulating the traceability of food products under the management of the Ministry of Health (Ensuring traceability of sellers and buyers), strictly handling acts of abuse and misuse of Nitrogen Oxide (N2O).
At the same time, strengthen information, education and communication to people, especially teenagers, students and pupils about the harmful effects and consequences of abusing and misusing Nitrous Oxide (N2O).
Issue regulations within authority to prevent and handle the abuse and misuse of Nitrogen Oxide (N2O) gas, especially at entertainment venues such as bars, dance clubs, karaoke bars, cinemas, offices, schools, etc.
The Ministry of Health also requested localities to review, evaluate and propose amendments and supplements to legal regulations and business conditions in the field of production and trading of Nitrogen Oxide (N2O) gas products to ensure thorough control of the risk of abuse and misuse, affecting the health of consumers, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of state management and creating favorable conditions for enterprises to produce, import and trade in accordance with regulations.
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