POLICE in Lymm are warning about the potentially lethal dangers of inhaling Nitrous Oxide after noticing a “massive” increase in the number of empty silver canisters around the village.
During patrols around the village following reports of anti-social behaviour they have seen a “massive up rise” in empty canisters being left around Lymm.
The Nitrous Oxide (more commonly known as laughing gas) canisters can be purchased easily online.
However these are a very dangerous colourless gas, usually inhaled by users through a balloon.
Warning of the dangers Lymm Police posted on social media:
“If these are taken you pose the risk of falling unconscious and suffocating from lack of oxygen
“If you know anyone using or you spot these in your children possession tell them to stop, you could end up saving their lives.
“People die every year inhaling gas from these canisters.”
Nitrous oxide canisters made for the purpose of prolonging the shelf life of whipped cream and other products are completely legal and readily available.
But under the Psychoactive Substances Act which came into effect on 26 May 2016 it has been illegal to supply or import nitrous oxide for human consumption.
For more details on the dangers visit https://www.drugwise.org.uk/nitrous-oxide/
