” are widely used by youngsters in Hanoi (Photo: baomoi.com)Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Health has
issued a warning to not sell or use nitrous oxide , a colourless
and sweet tasting gas, for recreational purposes.
The decision was made following a proposal
by the People’s Committee of Hanoi to ban selling the gas for recreational
purposes due to adverse effects that could lead to death.
The gas is being used widely among youth in
the form of or nitrous oxide-filled balloons, despite warnings
from experts who say the balls can be addictive and negatively
affect the nervous system of users.
Nitrous oxide is also known as laughing gas, and
after inhaling it, people burst into laughter.
Dr Nguyen Anh Vu, from the Hanoi University of
Science and Technology’s School of Chemical Engineering, said that nitrous
oxide creates an instantly refreshing feeling but also leads to dizziness.
It blocks the nervous system, reducing the ability to think, distorting
sounds, and even causing visual hallucinations.
A person exposed to nitrous oxide in a closed
room or inhaling it directly will suffer from a lack of oxygen in their
bloodstream, he said.
According to scientists, young women have
been advised to avoid exposure to nitrous oxide because it might lead to
fertility problems.
In a document sent to the Hanoi People’s Committee
on May 29, the Ministry of Health said according to a regulation set by the
Ministry of Industry and Trade which manages the use of , the gas
is only permitted to be sold and used for industrial production, not for
human use.
The ministry instructed the Hanoi People’s
Committee to continue to disseminate information to raise public awareness
about the adverse effects of the use of the nitrous oxide.-VNA
Source: VietnamPlus
