Is Laughing Gas Safe Or Something Not To Be Laughed At?

What exactly is laughing gas and how does it affect the users?

18:44 15 April 2015

Raheem Sterling, the Liverpool striker, has found himself in hot water after pictures of him taking nitrous oxide have emerged. Liverpool boss Brendan Rodger had promised to talked to the 20-year-old. 

 

But what exactly is laughing gas or NOS? Is it really legal in the United Kingdom and how does it affect the people who use it? 

 

Nitrous oxide is a colourless and non-flammable gas that comes in pressurised canisters. It is a chemical compound with the formula N20 and tastes and smell slightly sweet. When taken, it gives a short sense of euphoria and causes dizziness preventing the ability to think straight. 

 

In the United Kingdom, laughing gas is caterogised under “legal high” substances although it falls into a legal grey area. It is also used by dentists as an anaesthetic. 

 

Although it is not illegal to possess or inhale the substance, it is against the law to supply it to anyone under 18 years old. It is also illegal to use canisters meant for dental purposes for recreational purposes. 

 

The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency said: “Any retailers selling or supplying an unlicensed medicine containing nitrous oxide for inhalation purposes, or allowing it to be supplied other than in accordance with a prescription, are in breach of UK medicines regulatory requirements.”