'Deadly' Laughing Gas Canisters Discovered on Boughton Street

Police are urging parents to warn their children of the dangers of "laughing gas" after canisters of the potentially deadly "high" were found on a street. The silver canisters were found by officers up the Old Warren in Broughton, Flintshire, on Thursday, July 26.

Laughing gas, also called nitrous oxide, has several legitimate uses such as in whipped cream machines but is sometimes taken by young people to get "high" even though it can result in death. South Flintshire Police said: "Young people are inhaling potentially lethal gasses and these dangers are heightened by the extreme hot weather. Please educate your children on the dangers of inhaling substances."

FRANK, a confidential drug advice service, advises people to steer clear of nitrous oxide.The service warns that there is a risk of death when inhaling the gas as a lack of oxygen can occur – this risk becomes greater if it is consumed in an enclosed space or if a substantial amount is rapidly inhaled.

Nitrous oxide can also cause dizziness or affect your judgement, which might make you act carelessly or dangerously and put you at risk of hurting yourself, particularly in an unsafe environment. Heavy regular use of nitrous oxide can also lead to deficiency of vitamin B12 and to a form of anaemia. The severe B12 deficiency can lead to serious nerve damage in some cases, which causes tingling and numbness in the fingers and toes and other extremities, and even difficulties with walking and pains in affected areas.

Ed: We are republishing this story from the Chester Chronicle after a local Tarvin resident brought it to our attention and added that " I've found them around the village on more than one occasion."