COUNCIL chiefs have delivered a warning about the dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide, aka laughing gas, following the discovery of several hundred empty canisters in parks and open spaces across Worcester since the beginning of lockdown.
Worcester City Council’s community safety team has delivered the warning to young adults gathering in parks and have talked to about 130 people about the issue in recent weeks.
Coun Lynn Denham, vice chairman of Worcester City Council’s Communities Committee warned of the dangers of inhaling the gas and said people risked falling unconscious or suffocating from the lack of oxygen.
“I would urge parents to talk to teenagers about the dangers of laughing gas. Many are not aware of the risks and regard this as harmless fun,” she said.
“We’re also calling on businesses which supply nitrous oxide for legitimate purposes to make stringent checks before selling it to anyone. Unfortunately this product is very easy to obtain and much more needs to be done to address this problem.”
West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion said the problem wasn’t limited to Worcester and warned the issue blighted the whole of the West Mercia area.
“Whilst there is a limit to what enforcement can do, this is still an issue of anti-social behaviour and the health of young people,” he said.
“We need to be doing more, which is why I would like to work with partners to find ways to reduce the problem and ensure those buying the canisters aren’t able to do so as easily as they are now.
“Collectively, we have the power to make a difference and see that this doesn’t become a greater problem.”
There is no immediate danger from discarded canisters. Anyone who finds such canisters are asked to visit www.worcester.gov.uk/reportit to report it.
Anyone concerned over a young person’s welfare is asked to call 101.
