Tackling the growing burden of nitrous oxide-induced public health harms

Abstract

Nitrous oxide has been increasing in popularity as a recreational drug in the past decade, and with this an increase in health harms related to nitrous oxide use, particularly nitrous oxide-induced myeloneuropathy. In response, governments in many countries have adopted new laws that either target the end user, by criminalising possession, or target suppliers. The effect of these measures remains to be seen, but the potential to exacerbate harm by targeting the user and thus affecting health-care-seeking behaviour is a concern. Education around the preventable harm from recreational use of nitrous oxide and tightening regulations on suppliers are essential in mitigating the increase in nitrous oxide-related health harms.