APELDOORN –
At least 64 young people have suffered a partial spinal cord injury in the past two years after using nitrous oxide. That says neurologist Paul Bienfait of Gelre Hospitals. Bienfait is one of the founders of the working group Complications Nitrous Oxide of the NVN, the Dutch association for Neurology. He investigated the number of victims.
–
Nitrous oxide is a fairly new phenomenon, so there are no specific figures for accidents and casualties from the use of nitrous oxide. ‘That is why we founded the working group at the end of last year. On the one hand, we want to make an inventory of the extent of the problem and, on the other hand, to improve the treatment by gathering more knowledge with each other, ‘says Bienfait.
‘Much is still unknown about the consequences of frequent use of the gas. For example, it has not yet been scientifically established that the gas is addictive, but we as neurologists have the impression that it is. We increasingly see that young people can no longer live without it. ‘
‘Risk is underestimated’
A sample of the working group of neurologists shows that in the past two years at least 64 young people have suffered a partial paralysis after using the gas. The use of laughing gas causes a shortage of vitamin B12. This can lead to damage to the spinal cord and thus cause a (partial) spinal cord injury.
Laughing gas is also increasingly causing problems in our province. In October last year, for example, a 24-year-old motorist from Nijmegen drove into a person several times after using nitrous oxide. That earned him a year in prison. A few months earlier, a young man in Ede filmed his own dollar ride while under the influence of the gas.
‘The risk is underestimated, the youth think that laughing gas is harmless and harmless. But that is not the case at all, ‘says Bienfait about the gas, which is rapidly gaining popularity among young people. “We see the number of patients suddenly rising, while we had heard almost nothing about it a few years ago.”
Ban on laughing gas
The neurologist therefore calls on politicians to come up with policy quickly. “Laughing gas is not forbidden, and I don’t know whether a ban alone will help. You should also look at providing information and discussing the dangers of young people, ‘says Bienfait. ‘It is common practice nowadays to talk about the risks of alcohol and drugs in schools, but laughing gas is not yet a theme. And as far as I am concerned, that is sorely needed. “
State Secretary Paul Blokhuis is working on a ban on the use of laughing gas by consumers. It will not disappear, however, because the gas is used in medicine and catering, for example in whipped cream cartridges.
Several municipalities in Gelderland are not waiting for the national ban. Arnhem, Nijmegen and Winterswijk, among others, were already ahead of a local ban.
Also see: Nitrous oxide banned nationally as a recreational drug, precursor Arnhem happy
– .
