Nitrous oxide (nangs)

Nitrous Oxide is an inhalant which depresses the central nervous system. 

It is a colourless and tasteless gas which usually comes in a cartridge called a bulb or is inhaled via a balloon. It is also referred to as laughing gas, NOS, nangs, whippet and balloons. 

While only 1.7% of people in Australia use this substance as a recreational drug, the chemical is more commonly used in baking to whip cream, in air canisters to dust keyboards and as a medical anaesthetic.

Short term effects of nitrous oxide use

  • Loss of consciousness
  • Loss of blood pressure
  • Possible frostbite or freeze burns to the hands, airways, nose and mouth when inhaling from bulbs
  • Possible burns from exploding canisters
  • Hypoxia (not getting enough oxygen)
  • Possible heart attack 

Long term effects of nitrous oxide use

  • Memory loss
  • Brain or spinal cord damage
  • Loss of bladder control (incontinence)
  • Numbness in extremities
  • Reduction in immune response
  • Reduction in reproductive health 

If you think a young person has suffered from the effects of nitrous oxide inhalation, call Triple Zero (000) immediately.