'Laughing gas' warning as police urge parents to speak to children about dangers of drug
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Durham Constabulary's team of officers in Peterlee has issued the plea after empty gas canisters were found littering locations in the town.
Its neighbourhood policing team has warned the small canisters of nitrous oxide are “extremely dangerous” and can pose both immediate and long-term health risks to users, with nerve damage and suffocation among its reactions.
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Hide AdExperts say people who take too much risk falling unconscious and can suffocate from the lack of oxygen, which has caused deaths.
The psychoactive drug is illegal to sell or give away for its psychoactive effects under the Psychoactive Substances Act of 2016.
The police warning comes after more than 100 of the canisters and empty drinks bottles were found on St Bede's field in the town following a party by a gang of youths.
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Hide AdNeighbourhood Inspector Emma Kay said: “Anybody considering using this gas – particularly younger people – need to think very carefully about the risks involved.
“Nitrous oxide can cause dizziness, serious nerve damage, and suffocation.
“I’d urge parents to talk to their kids about the very real dangers of using it.”
Nitrous oxide, known as hippie crack, is a colourless gas which is inhaled from the pressurised metal canisters, often using a balloon.
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Hide AdDurham Constabulary has urged anyone who wants to know more about the dangers of nitrous oxide to visit www.talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide.