Gas no laughing matter

Inhaling nitrous leading to spike in spinal injuries

- BY BAIRBRE HOLMES

THERE has been an "alarming" spike in the number of young people in Ireland ending up with spinal cord damage and lasting injuries from inhaling nitrous oxide, a study has found.

Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas or whippets, is legally sold for catering and industrial purposes.

But in recent years youth workers and community organisations have warned of a rise in children and young people abusing the substance by inhaling it, often using balloons.