German government will strictly control the sale of "laughing gas"

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, May 25th. German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach said on the 24th that the government plans to introduce new regulations to strictly restrict the sale of nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas", and is worried that more and more young people in Germany will damage their health by inhaling "laughing gas".

"Laughing gas" is a colorless and sweet gas, generally used as a medical anesthetic. "Laughing gas" is addictive and harmful. After inhalation, blood oxygen saturation will drop rapidly, and a series of symptoms such as dizziness and chest tightness caused by hypoxia will appear. After inhaling a large amount, it will produce a series of side effects such as hallucinations, visual and auditory dysfunction, and reduced muscle contraction ability, causing damage to the central nervous system and even paralysis.

Germany's current laws do not restrict the sale and use of "laughing gas", but this gas is relatively easy to obtain on the market and the price is not high. Because of greed for temporary pleasure, many young people will inhale it at parties. The medical and health community is worried that the spread of "laughing gas" will harm the health of young people and urge the German government to take measures to limit the recreational use of "laughing gas".

In an interview with German TV One on the 24th, Lauterbach said that the government will "soon introduce regulations" and possible measures include listing "laughing gas" as a psychoactive substance, and its sale and possession will be strictly restricted. Given that nitrous oxide gas is also used in industry, the German government will not completely ban it.

Doctor Volk Rimroth told the TV station: "Now even kiosks near schools sell 'laughing gas', which must be stopped. Anesthetics should not be sold on the general market and should be in the hands of doctors, not placed together with gummy bears." Lauterbach said that before the government introduces relevant restrictions, parents should educate their children to stay away from this gas. "It may sound fun and harmless, but it is not... It is very dangerous for children and young people."