‘NANG’ FEARS

THERE are concerns the ready availability of nitrous oxide canisters intended for cooking is contributing to a surge in their abuse.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council chief executive Alison Lai says there has been a recent spike in the use of the canisters, known as “nangs”.

She she was concerned the canisters are being sold by some retail outlets in brightly coloured packaging aimed at attracting young people.

Their abuse can cause fainting, heart attacks or even death.

A SURGE in the recreational use of nitrous oxide canisters by young Tasmanians has alarmed the state’s peak drug and alcohol body.

The canisters are usually used for cooking or baking and the gas, commonly called laughing gas, is also often used in hospitals for sedation or pain relief.

However, inhaling it is also considered a cheap and quick high that can last from 10 seconds to five minutes.

Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council chief executive Alison Lai said increased use by young people of “nangs” — a street term for the pressurised gas bulbs — had been noticed in the past couple of weeks.

And their availability from retail outlets not connected with baking or medicine was an added concern.

The use of nangs could be dangerous, sometimes causing fainting, heart attacks or death, Ms Lai said.

“Our concerns originated through an individual contacting our organisation directly with concerns about the canisters being for sale in a retail outlet where they are clearly not associated for their legitimate purpose,” Ms Lai said.

“We were also informed that the canisters were being sold in brightly coloured packaging, which may be appealing to young people.”

A store in Hobart had been selling the canisters, however staff refused to show them and would not comply with a request to learn more about their store policies, Ms Lai said.

“While it is not illegal for any store to sell cream canisters we believe it’s incredibly questionable why a store would sell them if their store is not associated with baking or cooking,” she said.

“In this situation it only adds to our concerns that a store would be selling them for the purposes of making them available for misuse.”

Ms Lai said the priority was minimising the use of drugs within the community.

“Education is critical to ensure young people know the dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide, and the impact it can have on their health, some which can be quite severe.”

A State Government spokesman said these products had a legitimate use in some medical and food-preparation settings.

“However, the Government would strongly encourage people to use their common sense and only use as directed,” he said.