The German Minister proposed a ban on nitrous oxide in adolescents. Watch how it wants to protect children’s health and regulate sales online.
German Health Minister Nina Warkenová presented her bill prohibiting the sale and possession of nitrous oxide among minors on Friday. The document must still be approved by the Cabinet before voting in Parliament. According to the minister, the aim of the proposal is to be mainly protected by young people, TASR writes based on DPA report.
If the proposal is approached, the sale and holding of nitrous oxide by children and adolescents would be prevented. The ban should also affect online sales and self -service vending machines.
Health risks of gas
According to Warken’s nitrous oxide “is not harmless fun”, but it presents serious health risks, especially for minors. “Intensive acute consumption can lead to unconsciousness,” the bill said.
The gas is used as a filling for whipped cream. However, direct inhalation from the bomb is extremely dangerous. The gas is under pressure and can cause frostbite in the mouth or lungs when releasing.
Drug at the party
The popularity of nitrous oxide has been on the rise for several years. It is abused as a party drug and its users inhale a slightly sweetish gas from balloons. It is also called “paradise” or “laughter” gas because it causes seizures of laughter, has euphoric and mild hallucinogenic effects and induces a feeling of detachment from reality. Historically, it was used as an inhalation anesthetic and sedative in medicine.
The sale of nitrous dioxide is already prohibited in some Länder and districts, but there is no national regulation. This topic was even discussed in the coalition negotiations on the formation of a government among the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democratic Party (SPD).
