The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned the general public against the abuse of Nitrous Oxide commonly known as laughing gas in nightclubs and parties in the forms of balloons and canisters to induce euphoria and laughter.
In a public notice, the regulatory body said Nitrous Oxide is used as a propellent and a preservative in the food industry and a medical anesthetic analgesic.
According to the Authority, misuse of Nitrous Oxide possesses a serious health risk like blood pressure, heart attack, and anaemia.
“Abusers of Nitrous Oxide gas are also prone to the risk of suffocating and loss of consciousness,” excerpts of the statement said.
“Long-term recreational use (abuse) of Nitrous Oxide gas could also compromise the immune system, mental and neurological disorders (hand and foot numbness and limb spasms), depression and incontinence”
To avoid the health complications, the FDA admonished nightclubs, pubs, and party organizers to desist from the inappropriate use of Nitrous Oxide gas in their facilities.
“The public is hereby urged to promptly report to the Authority on the abuse of Nitrous Oxide gas,” the FDA pleaded.
The Authority is collaborating with other relevant stakeholder agencies to address the emerging safety concerns.
By: Bernard Ralph Adams | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
