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London/Auckland (pte023/18.04.2003/14:05) - Researchers in New Zealand have discovered that laughing gas, which is used by young people as an intoxicant, can cause severe damage to health.
In a study conducted by researchers at the University of Auckland and in an article published in the science magazine Lancet http://www.thelancet.com medics warn that long-term effects of the gas can be dangerous.
Since the 19th century laughing gas, Distickstoffoxid, has been used as a narcotic for medical purposes. The gas has been used since Victorian times as a drug.
In a study of over 1700 students at Auckland University more than 50 per cent said that they knew laughing gas as a party drug. About 12 per cent have had experiences with inhaling the gas, 3 per cent have been users for a longer period of time.
The researchers did not take the figures from their student study as representative of the total population but pointed out that medics should be aware of possible poisoning and the related side-effects.
Although the gas itself is not fatal, regular intake of it leads to loss of vitamin B-12 as well as loss of motor skills, which can lead to accidents. Used in conjunction with alcohol, the gas raises the possibility of nausea and vomiting.
Long-term use can result in mental and physical damage, such as temporary loss of feeling in arms or legs.
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