Fad of ‘happy balloons’ raises health concerns

An increasing number of Koreans are inhaling nitrous oxide — better known as laughing gas — from balloons as a party drug to experience feelings of euphoria.

Over the past few months, the “happy balloons” have become popular, especially among young people.

At many bars in Seoul’s Hongik University and Gangnam areas, it is now easy to find people enjoying their beers with the balloon, which costs about 5,000 won ($4.5).

Those who have experienced the gas say it induces a brief dopey feeling; some describe it as an “out-of-body experience.”

But the widespread use of the gas has raised health concerns.

Nitrous oxide is a colorless, sweet-tasting gas that has been mainly used medically. Doctors and dentists use it as an anesthetic, a tranquillizer and painkiller.

Experts say overuse of nitrous oxide can lead to oxygen depriva- tion, which can result in fall in blood pressure, fainting and even heart attacks. Some studies suggest that people might develop a dependence as well.

According to coroners’ reports in Britain, it was responsible for 17 deaths between 2006 and 2012.

But its recreational use remains legal in many parts of the world, including most of the United Kingdom except for the London borough of Lambeth.

Many people believe the fad of “happy balloons,” which began in Korea last year, came from Laos, Korea’s popular travel destination where sellers of the balloons are common.

Police say selling and buying nitrous oxide does not violate any Korean laws.

An official at the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety said the gas is not categorized as illegal because its health risks are limited. But after the issue came into the spotlight recently, the ministry said it will talk with the Ministry of Environment to come up with safety measures.