Parents urged to be vigilant after empty nitrous oxide cans found in Newtownabbey

SDLP Cllr Noreen McClelland said the discarded nitrous oxide canisters were located during a community clean up in the Hightown Road area.

Cllr McClelland said: “This trend among young people is extremely dangerous. Nitrous oxide or ‘laughing gas’ blocks oxygen getting to your brain which can cause loss of consciousness and result in suffocation. It is deadly.

“We discovered the empty canisters when doing a community litter pick on the Hightown Road. I would urge young people to think twice about doing this and would encourage parents and carers to be aware of the apparent accessibility of nitrous oxide among young people.

“The abuse of nitrous oxide is no laughing matter and I will be raising the accessibility of these canisters with the PSNI.”

Urging parents to explain the dangers of substance abuse to their children, a PSNI spokesperson said: “We are concerned that young people may be using these canisters in a dangerous way. We do not want to see anyone harmed through reckless actions so we are asking parents to be vigilant and speak to their children about substance abuse and warn them of the dangers.

“If you come across any canisters of this nature, please dispose of them safely. If you require further advice or have concerns, please contact us on 101.”

A spokesperson for Antrim and Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) said: “These empty canisters are littering our streets, local parks and across communities. But more importantly, they are becoming a growing trend among young people in our borough which is very concerning.

️”According to DrugsWise, the risks of inhaling nitrous oxide include a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can result in a person falling unconscious and even dying through suffocation or heart problems. This risk is likely to be greater if the gas is consumed in an enclosed space or if a lot is used at the same time.

“Regular or heavy use of nitrous oxide has been linked to a deficiency in vitamin B12. This can lead to nerve damage which causes pain and tingling in the toes and fingers. Studies have also linked heavy use of the gas to some forms of anaemia.

“Since nitrous oxide can affect coordination, it’s very important not to use it in potentially dangerous places where falls could cause injury or death. It is important not to drive or operate machinery.

“️Do not to drink alcohol while using nitrous oxide – both these drugs are depressants and using them together increases the risk of ill effects and accidents.

“This is a call for parents, guardians, carers, to speak to their young people and advise of these dangerous risks. What may seem like a ‘fun thing to do’ with their mates, could end in disaster❌.”

Commenting on the issue, South Antrim Alliance MLA John Blair said: “So called ‘laughing gas’ is no laughing matter. Nitrous oxide can cause serious problems, illness and even death.”

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