The problem of recreational nitrous oxide use, especially among young people, is growing in many European countries. In several states, authorities have recorded serious poisonings, neurological complications and traffic incidents linked to the substance. The debate is now intensifying over whether the European Union should introduce common rules on the sale of nitrous oxide, while some individual countries have already moved ahead with national restrictions.
“We must remember that nitrous oxide has many uses and is employed in a number of fields. It is very important in medicine. In areas where businesses genuinely need it, access must also be regulated accordingly. States must take responsibility for ensuring safety above all for citizens,” Marlena Maląg, a Member of the European Parliament, said in an interview with Newseria.
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is used primarily in anaesthesiology to sedate patients, for example during dental procedures. It also has pain-relieving properties and, in higher doses, can be used together with other anaesthetics for general anaesthesia. At the same time, it is widely known, especially among teenagers, as a relatively easy-to-obtain intoxicating substance. This is partly because it is also used as a technical gas in applications such as inflating balloons or producing whipped cream.
According to the European Union Drugs Agency, recreational nitrous oxide use has become increasingly widespread in a number of EU countries. The substance is particularly popular among young people, driven by easy availability, low prices and the perception that it is relatively harmless. However, frequent or intensive use can lead to serious health consequences.
“The use of nitrous oxide has a very negative impact on the nervous system and the circulatory system, meaning the key systems that allow the human body to function. It can even lead to permanent brain damage. That alone should be enough to ensure that this product is not easily available,” Maląg stressed.
The safety risks are not limited to health. Nitrous oxide can impair judgment and coordination, increasing the risk of accidents. Some countries have reported a sharp rise in traffic incidents linked to its use.
“It cannot be allowed to remain so easily accessible, especially when it can now be bought very easily online. At parties it is being used on a mass scale,” the Polish MEP added.
Some European countries have already introduced restrictions. Since 2022, nitrous oxide has been banned for recreational sale in the Netherlands. Limitations are also in place in the United Kingdom and Sweden. However, regulations vary across the EU, which has prompted calls for a unified approach.
Maląg argues that rules should be harmonised across the European Union. The European Commission has already presented its initial position, and discussions are ongoing about potential EU-wide measures.
“The European Union is moving towards tighter rules on the sale of laughing gas. A broad debate has already taken place. The Commission’s proposal should be thoroughly analysed, and member states should take full responsibility to ensure that distribution of this product is safe for citizens, while still allowing access where it is genuinely needed in industry,” she said.
According to market estimates, the global nitrous oxide market was worth USD 1.3 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 2.3 billion by the end of the decade. Medical applications account for the vast majority of demand, representing nearly 88% of total sales, highlighting the need to balance safety concerns with legitimate use in healthcare and industry.
