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Nitrous oxide (nangs)

Nitrous oxide, often called ‘nangs’, is a gas used in healthcare, dentistry, food preparation, science and research.

Some people use nitrous oxide to get ‘high’. Recreational use can cause serious health problems, including nerve damage, loss of consciousness and, in some cases, death.

If you or someone you know is experiencing problems related to nitrous oxide use, support services are available in the ACT.

What is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is a gas sometimes called:

  • nangs
  • laughing gas
  • nitro
  • N₂O
  • NOS
  • whippets
  • hippy crack
  • buzz bombs
  • balloons

Nitrous oxide products are regulated in Australia as poisons and must be labelled with health warnings and safety information. They must also be stored in a way to prevent access by children .

Nitrous oxide has legitimate uses in:

  • healthcare and dentistry
  • food preparation
  • science and research.

Health risks

Using nitrous oxide can lead to serious health problems. In severe cases, it can cause permanent damage to the nervous system, including the brain, and may result in death.

Immediate risks

Nitrous oxide can cause:

  • euphoria
  • dizziness
  • light-headedness
  • confusion
  • blurred vision
  • low blood pressure, which can cause fainting
  • low oxygen levels (hypoxia), which can be life threatening
  • loss of coordination
  • loss of consciousness
  • dissociation (feeling disconnected or separated from your body or surroundings).

Nitrous oxide use can also result in physical injuries  , including

  • cold burns to the lips, mouth or throat
  • frostbite-type injuries to the skin
  • pressure damage to the lungs
  • suffocation from placing bags or containers over face while using
  • injuries from faulty gas dispensers exploding
  • fatal injuries from falls, drowning and motor vehicle crashes when people are affected by nitrous oxide.

Repeated use of nitrous oxide can increase the risk of serious harm.    Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol or other drugs also increases the risk of harm.

Long-term health effects

Repeated or excessive use of nitrous oxide can lead to:

  • nerve damage and paralysis
  • numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
  • difficulty walking or maintaining balance
  • muscle weakness
  • memory and concentration problems
  • reproductive health problems
  • psychological dependence (a strong urge to keep using)
  • mental health complications, including depression and psychosis.

Nitrous oxide can stop the body from using vitamin B12 properly. This can lead to serious health problems. Taking vitamin B12 supplements does not prevent these effects.

Driving and nitrous oxide

Do not drive, ride a bicycle, ride a scooter, or operate machinery after using nitrous oxide.

Nitrous oxide can affect your ability to make decisions and react quickly. This increases the risk of serious injury to you and others.

Pregnancy

Avoid using nitrous oxide if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Support in the ACT

If nitrous oxide is affecting your health, relationships, education, work, finances or daily life, support is available.

You can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice and support about alcohol and other drugs.

You can also call them if you are worried about someone using nitrous oxide.

You can also:

Get urgent help

In an emergency call Triple Zero (000) or attend the nearest Emergency Department.

Information for parents and carers

Young people may not understand the risks of nitrous oxide use.

Making time to talk openly and calmly about alcohol and other drugs, including nitrous oxide, can minimise the likelihood of young people experiencing harms from drug use.

If you are concerned about a young person, start a conversation early and seek advice from a health professional or support service.

Regulation of nitrous oxide

Nitrous oxide is regulated in Australia under medicines and poisons legislation.

In the ACT, nitrous oxide is regulated under the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Act 2008.

Some Australian jurisdictions have introduced or proposed additional restrictions on nitrous oxide sales in response to concerns about recreational use.

The ACT Government is monitoring regulatory changes in other states and territories to help inform future policy considerations.

Learn more

To learn more about nitrous oxide, health risks and support services, visit:

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