The Ministry of Health recommends thoroughly controlling the risk of abuse and misuse of N2O gas.

The abuse and improper use of Nitrogen Oxide (N2O) gas can have adverse effects on human health, especially among young people.

Illustration photo.

Recently, the Ministry of Health has received information that in some localities there has been a situation of buying, selling and using "laughing balloons" containing Nitrogen Oxide (N2O) gas, especially at bars, dance clubs, karaoke bars, entertainment areas...

Information from the Food Safety Department said: Nitrogen Oxide (chemical name is Dinitrogen monoxide) has the chemical formula N2O, is a chemical used in industry (production of solar cells, in welding, cutting techniques, for machines, analytical equipment, increasing engine capacity...); at the same time, it is used in food production and processing (included in the list of food additives of the International Food Commission - Codex); and is being researched for use as a sedative and pain reliever in dentistry.

However, the abuse and improper use of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) gas can have negative effects on human health, especially in young people due to nerve stimulation, excitement and laughter; long-term use can lead to autism, headaches, fatigue, physical weakness; high doses can lead to hallucinations... At the same time, it can have negative impacts on social life.

To strengthen the management of Nitrogen Oxide (N2O) gas according to legal regulations and prevent abuse and misuse, the Ministry of Health recently issued an official dispatch requesting the People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to direct the implementation of the following activities:

1. Strengthen inspection, examination and supervision of establishments importing, trading and decanting Nitrous Oxide (N2O) gas products to ensure compliance with the provisions of law on chemical management as well as food additive management. Companies must declare the import and trading of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) gas as a food additive; inspection and examination of food safety regulations in general, prioritize the inspection of state inspection declarations of imported food before customs clearance, and inspection of compliance with the provisions of Circular No. 25/2019/TT-BYT dated August 30, 2019 of the Ministry of Health regulating the traceability of food products under the management of the Ministry of Health (Ensuring traceability of sellers and buyers), strictly handling acts of abuse and misuse of Nitrous Oxide (N2O).

2. Strengthen information,education and communication to the people, especially teenagers, pupils and students, about the harmful effects and consequences of abusing and misusing Nitrous Oxide (N2O).

3. Issue regulations within authority to prevent and handle the abuse and misuse of Nitrogen Oxide (N2O) gas, especially at entertainment venues such as bars, dance clubs, karaoke bars, cinemas, offices, schools, etc.

4. Review, evaluate and propose amendments and supplements to legal regulations and business conditions in the field of production and trading of Nitrogen Oxide (N2O) gas products to ensure thorough control of the risk of abuse and misuse, affecting the health of consumers, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of state management and creating favorable conditions for enterprises to produce, import and trade in accordance with regulations.

According to vtv.vn

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