Nitrous oxide warning from the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment

Berlin. The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) is issuing a strong warning against the use of nitrous oxide, describing it as a risky party drug. It can cause serious health damage and, in extreme cases, be fatal, the agency announced on Friday. It therefore "strongly advises against such misuse."

According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, no oxygen enters the body when nitrous oxide is inhaled. Therefore, in severe cases, unconsciousness and even permanent brain damage can occur. "Deaths related to the consumption of nitrous oxide have also been reported in the Netherlands," the agency stated.

Significant increase in poisoning cases

Excessive consumption can lead to permanent neurological damage, as nitrous oxide disrupts the body's metabolism. This can result in symptoms such as paralysis, numbness, especially in the feet, and gait disturbances.

According to the Federal Institute, reliable data on the use of nitrous oxide in Germany are not yet available. However, various poison control centers have reported an increase in calls regarding poisoning accidents involving nitrous oxide. The Berlin Poison Control Center registered one to two cases per year between 2010 and 2015. Seven cases will be recorded in 2022, 20 in 2023, and even 50 in 2024. The majority of those affected were adolescents and young adults (36 cases), predominantly with mild to moderate symptoms.

Vitamin B12 metabolism is impaired

According to the institute, studies from neighboring European countries have shown that nitrous oxide consumption can lead to serious and permanent health damage. Between 2018 and 2021, a total of 181 patients with severe nitrous oxide poisoning were recorded in the greater Paris area, in which the spinal cord or other parts of the nervous system were partially severely damaged. The neurological damage was caused by a disruption in vitamin B12 metabolism.

Hamburg was the first German state to introduce a ban on the sale of nitrous oxide to children and adolescents, effective January 2025. Individual cities such as Dortmund, Osnabrück, and Hanau have also already implemented a ban. Frankfurt am Main also passed a similar ban on Friday. However, there is no nationwide regulation yet. (dpa/eb)