Labour Councillor Pio Smith has issued a warning about what he refers to as a worrying trend developing in the Drogheda area of young people in particular using Nitrus Oxide as a recreational drug.
“More and more young people are turning to Nitrus Oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas to get a high” Cllr Smith said.
“This worries me greatly as Nitrus Oxide is a particularly dangerous substance that can have devastating consequences for individuals who use it.
Cllr. Smith works at the red Door Project on the Dublin Road which provides confidential assistance and services to individuals, families, and the wider community that are affected by drug and alcohol use.
The perception among users is that the gas is relatively safe and socially acceptable drug but Cllr. Smith says the side effects of laughing gas include transient dizziness, dissociation, disorientation, loss of balance, impaired cognitive functioning and weakness in the legs.
“Some fatal accidents have been reported due to hypoxia” he said.
“Generally it is used in public parks, car parties and nightclubs. Used canisters have been found in Wheaton Hall, Meadowview housing estates and Townley Hall.
“To date the council have collected over 100 canisters and it’s important to note that disposal of canisters can pose a risk of explosion so best to contact the environmental section of Louth County Council if you come across one.”
