Used in various professional sectors (human and veterinary medicine, food), the use of nitrogen oxide has been diverted in recent years. Indeed, the inhalation of this gas causes euphoric and hilarious effects. This is not without risks to the health of consumers, with burns of lips and throats, serious falls in the event of loss of knowledge, sensory distortions … and, in the longer term, irreversible effects on the nervous system, reproduction, development or even immunity.
Faced with this public health issue at the end of July 2024, the first assistant Nathalie Koenders made a decree to prohibit the consumption of nitrogen oxide. The problem is still topical: April 25, it took over a similar one, now as mayor of Dijon. “Detention and use for hilarious purposes of nitrogen gas cartridges or other pressure containers [en contenant]by minor and major people, are prohibited in public space ”, has article 1is.
Public health, environmental protection and public tranquility
All parks, squares and gardens are concerned, as well as a large part of the city center and other sectors. The offenses to this decree, in force until October 12, will be “noted and prosecuted by any officer and judicial police officer and agent of the public force authorized to draw up minutes, and liable to the fine provided for the tickets of 2e class ».
Nathalie Koenders also justifies this measure by the need to protect the environment, the abandoned used cartridges constituting waste (which must be treated in a specific way). The elected representative is also based on the fact that the gatherings of people consuming nitrogen oxide bother residents because of the disorders with the generated public tranquility (noise pollution in particular).
