use it alone or in dangerous or isolated places.To reduce the risks associated with misusing nitrous oxide don't: Dispensing multiple gas canisters with one cracker (a handheld device used to 'crack' a nitrous oxide bulb/whippet) can also cause cold burns to the hands.5 People can also harm themselves if they use faulty gas dispensers, which may explode. Releasing the nitrous oxide into a balloon helps to warm the gas and normalise the pressure before inhaling.
As the gas is also under constant pressure, it can cause ruptures in lung tissue when inhaled directly from these containers. When inhaling directly from bulbs, the gas is intensely cold (-40C degrees) and can cause frostbite to the nose, lips and throat (including vocal cords). Whilst the risk of overdose from nitrous oxide is low people with heart conditions or abnormal blood pressure may be at higher risk as the drop in oxygen levels caused by inhaling the gas raises the heart rate, which could cause problems. Potential birth defects (if consumed during pregnancy) Vitamin B12 depletion (long-term depletion causes brain and nerve damage)
Inhaling nitrous oxide can be fatal if you don't get enough oxygen, which is known as hypoxia.Įffects of prolonged use (used more than once a week) may include: If a large amount of nitrous oxide is inhaled it can produce: The effects may start to be felt immediately and can last from 2 – 3 minutes some effects may last up to 30 – 40 minutes.
