Police and the Ministry of Health are working together in response to growing concerns about the misuse of nitrous oxide, particularly when it is used by drivers.

Nitrous oxide is also known by other names, including nangs, laughing gas, and nos.

Police is increasingly concerned by the growing number of incidents involving drivers inhaling nitrous oxide and putting themselves, their passengers, and other road users at risk.

Assistant Commissioner of Road Policing and District Support Tusha Penny says any substance that affects judgement, coordination, or consciousness can have deadly consequences when someone is behind the wheel.

“Police is concerned with the immediate danger this is posing on the road,” says Assistant Commissioner Penny.

“We are now seeing an increase in the use of nitrous oxide as a factor in a number of serious crashes, including some crashes where people have died.”

While investigations into individual crashes continue, the risks are clear and grave: inhaling nitrous oxide can rapidly cause dizziness, confusion, and blackouts.

“We appreciate where the public has called Police to report instances of people using nitrous oxide in vehicles.

We have taken action in response to those calls, and they have helped prevent harm and likely saved lives.”

Police is also engaging with retailers and reminding them that the sale of nitrous oxide is illegal for recreational use under the Psychoactive Substances Act.

“We will be providing letters to retailers in areas where this is a known issue over the coming weeks to remind them of their obligations.”

Police will take a graduated response to the unlawful supply of nitrous oxide, with a focus on engagement, education and encouragement, alongside enforcement where appropriate.

“We will continue to work alongside our partner agencies, monitor the situation closely, and step up to enforcement if we need to,” Assistant Commissioner Penny says.

The Ministry of Health’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Joe Bourne says that reports from Police of nitrous oxide misuse linked with driving are a particular concern.

He says that nitrous oxide can cause significant harm when misused for recreational inhalation, and those harms are magnified when combined with driving. 

Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol or other drugs can have unpredictable effects and increase the risk of harm. 

“Nitrous oxide may seem relatively harmless, but it can cause real damage. When it’s inhaled, the gas pushes oxygen out of your lungs and bloodstream, which can make you dizzy, cause you to black out, or even be life threatening in some cases,” says Dr Bourne. 

“It should go without saying, that dizzyness or blackouts while driving are extremely dangerous.”

Inhaling nitrous oxide can also have long-term effects.

“Separately we know that heavy, frequent, or chronic use can cause nerve damage, leading to, weakness, numbness, and long-term problems with movement or coordination,” says Dr Bourne.

Dr Bourne says unfortunately health professionals are the ones who see the harms from drug misuse, and it’s important to raise awareness about them. 

He advises individuals to contact their health care provider if anyone has used these products and is concerned about their health. 

The Ministry will work with Health New Zealand to raise awareness of the harms caused to physical and mental health by the recreational use of nitrous oxide.

If you’re concerned about your own drinking or drug taking, you can reach out to the Alcohol Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797, or text 8681.