Silver laughing gas tubes are increasingly littering streets. Since July, nitrous oxide has been legally available under the Commodities Act, bringing new implications for public health and safety.
In hospitals, it's safely used to ease children's anxiety during procedures. However, the growing trend of young people abusing it recreationally is deeply concerning.
The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport is launching a comprehensive study on nitrous oxide use—who's using it, how much, and the associated risks—with findings expected in 2017.
