No laughing matter, this
dubai — The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention has issued a circular to warn about the dangers of misusing ethyl chloride spray — commonly known as laughing gas — which has recently gained interest among adolescent students.
The product, sold at various social networking sites, e-commerce websites, private pharmacies and specialty stores, is stated as a local anesthetic that affects the central nervous system when inhaled.
Dr Amin Hussein Al Amiri, assistant undersecretary for the ministry’s public policy and licensing, told Khaleej Times that the circular was issued after a mother complained that her son was checked into a hospital after misusing the spray.
After launching an investigation, the ministry found an increased demand for the spray.
Al Amiri noted that the youths, who call it a laughter
gas, inhale the compound after spraying it on a piece of cloth, which results in a burst of laughter or crying, followed by hallucination. He said the product is not criminalised, low in cost compared to other drug classes, and is easily available, leading to many cases of addiction among school and university students.
Al Amiri added that the ministry has communicated to various departments to investigate and provide preventive measures to protect children from these dangerous products. Al Amiri noted that ethyl chloride spray is medically used to prevent pain. It could also block the neurotransmitters and paralyse the skeletal and respiratory muscles when inhaled. It also causes paralysis of the nerves that feed the blood vessels.
Al Amiri said the ministry has issued a circular aiming detecting and stopping misleading practices among young people between the age of 12 and 16 years as it can lead to serious complications, including hospitalisation. All pharmacies are advised to not sell these products to anyone under 18 years.
The public is urged to fill out ADR side effects form for any side effects through the website http://www.cpd-pharma.ae.
Meanwhile, Dubai Police have reported no complaints nor related addiction cases in the emirate.
asma@khaleejtimes.com