Now and then, Aussies see a new fad occupying shopping trolleys and having shoppers in a chokehold.

However, a shocking roadside discovery has put a growing trend under the spotlight—one that's sending more and more Australians to hospital.

A resident in suburban Melbourne found dozens of brightly coloured canisters in their area.

These canisters, which were dumped along a dirt path, promised to 'experience heaven on earth'.

However, it was not just the illegal dumping that raised alarm bells; it was the contents of these cylinders.

The 3.3-litre cylinders contained nitrous oxide, commonly known as 'nangs'.

Canisters of nitrous oxide have been littered in one area of Melbourne. Image Credit: Reddit

Nitrous oxide has been widely used in kitchens and medical settings.

However, when misused, it gives people a quick, euphoric high.

While it might sound harmless, the reality is far more sinister.

Nitrous oxide is a dissociative anaesthetic.

It is often odourless and used by doctors to calm patients.

However, when inhaled recreationally, it could have devastating and deadly consequences.

Despite repeated warnings in the media, the trend of inhaling 'nangs' has been on the rise among young Australians.

Dr Jodie Grigg, a researcher with over a decade of experience at the National Drug Research Institute, saw the fallout firsthand.

'It may start off with some tingling and numbness in their fingers and toes, or difficulty keeping their balance, and that can progress to the complete inability to walk,' she explained.

'They can lose the brain/body connection, and without early intervention, those harms can be permanent.

The gas inactivates vitamin B12, which could strip the protective lining of the spinal cord.

While it gives a temporary high, this could lead to severe nerve damage.

Psychiatric effects like psychosis and hallucinations have also been reported.

Users of 'nangs' could also suffer cold burns, lung damage, and even fatal accidents due to lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.

With all these possible consequences, there have been tragic cases related to these chemicals.

A young person died after falling from a balcony while under the influence of nangs.

Between 2010 and 2020, reports of nitrous oxide misuse have increased, with a sharp spike in 2019.

Dr Grigg's research pointed to a few key reasons.

One of these was the rise of online delivery services offering 'nangs' in bulk, often with flashy packaging and flavours.

Backed with aggressive social media marketing, these services even promise delivery in under 30 minutes.

Convenience stores remain a common source.

While delivery services are linked to higher amounts used per session, convenience stores have been associated with more frequent use.

In recent times, hospitals have entertained patients who admit to using an entire 3.3-litre tank of nangs a day.

How is Australia stopping it?

Australian law allows the sale of nitrous oxide for legitimate purposes.

According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), nitrous oxide has been reclassified as a Schedule 6 poison, which required warning labels on all canisters.

However, Dr Grigg noted that most users do not notice or remember these warnings, suggesting that plain packaging might be more effective.

Western Australia has banned the sale of larger canisters and restricted smaller ones to registered businesses.

Retailers and individuals who break these rules may face hefty fines.

South Australia and Victoria have also introduced regulations, such as banning sales to minors and restricting sales during certain hours.

However, enforcement has been a tricky issue, and the lure of profit means some retailers may continue to sell illicitly.

Dr Grigg warned that overly strict bans could push an underground market, leading to even riskier behaviour and potential for counterfeit substances.

'Regulatory action should ideally be one component of a broader public health response that also includes demand and harm reduction strategies,' Dr Grigg stated.

What can you do?

If you spot discarded canisters in your neighbourhood, report them to your local council or police immediately.

If you're concerned about a loved one, especially younger family members, do not be afraid to start a conversation.

Key Takeaways

• Brightly coloured nitrous oxide canisters, often called 'nangs', are being illegally dumped across Australia, highlighting a dangerous trend.
• Misuse of nitrous oxide could cause severe and permanent nerve and spinal cord damage, as well as psychiatric harm and fatalities.
• Easy access to cheap, bulk nitrous oxide through convenience stores and fast delivery services fuelled a steady increase in use, especially among young people.
• States like SA, Victoria, and WA have tightened regulations around nitrous oxide sales, but experts say supply controls must be balanced with public health and harm reduction strategies.

Have you noticed these canisters in your area, too? We'd love to hear your thoughts about this growing trend in the comments section below.

 

[Wandiwa]

Look at the size and quantity of those canisters. That's a massive problem.