This week, Safe in Warwickshire is raising awareness of the impact Nitrous Oxide, commonly known as laughing gas has on those who use it and on communities.

Today, we are taking a look at the dangers of using nitrous oxide.

Nitrous Oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas or NOS, has many dangers, some of which are:

• Risk of falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen,
• Dizziness (This might make you act carelessly or dangerously)
• Headaches
• Blurred Vision
• Confusion
• A lack of vitamin B12 which can cause nerve damage
• Increased risk of a heart attack
• Burns (Due to pressurised gas)
• Loss of self-control
• Paranoia
• Weakened Immune System
• Memory loss
• Addiction/psychological dependence

As you can see, use of Nitrous Oxide can have severe risks and be potentially fatal. With heavier regular use and addiction these risks increase and with some people using it as a recreational drug without knowing these risks this is not a laughing matter.

Keep your eyes peeled this week as we bring you more information about Nitrous Oxide, and head to our Facebook and Twitter pages to see more information. We also have a dedicated page on Nitrous Oxide full of advice for those who take it and those who are unsure what to do if they see empty cannisters in their area.