The police headquarters has just published a decree on Tuesday, December 24. Minors are prohibited from possessing or consuming nitrous oxide in certain places in Paris. This temporary measure runs until the end of next March.
Company
From daily life to major issues, discover the subjects that make up local society, such as justice, education, health and family.
France Télévisions uses your email address to send you the “Society” newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time via the link at the bottom of this newsletter. Our privacy policy
For the police headquarters, the message is clear: minors must stop blowing into the balloon. A balloon that can be filled with nitrous oxide, which under 18s have fun sucking up the contents. Objective: to obtain in particular an effect of euphoria.
State services in Paris published a decree on December 24. It prohibits the possession and consumption of this product for those under 18 years of age. The measure concerns certain places in the capital, more or less known for being places of consumption of what is also called “laughing gas“.
Under 18s who possess or consume nitrous oxide in certain places in Paris will be subject to a fine, as part of this temporary decree.
•
© France Télévisions
This is particularly the case on the Champs-Élysées, where we regularly find traces of this consumption. The temporary decree lasts for a period of just over three months, until March 25 inclusive.
The measure is rather well received, for those interviewed in these sectors. “It's even better that the law takes care of it, because it's a scourge for young people aged 12 or 16“, declares a man on our microphone. “Everyone takes it yes, I understand that it is prohibited. Afterwards, in the long term, I don't see the point in banning it either. Personally, I've never tried it, but if the mayor of the 8th arrondissement put this in place, obviously it's to help young people.“, adds another person.
For several years, consumption has exploded. Users inhale this psychotropic gas, using balloons and canisters. This sometimes produces dangerous effects, and even loss of control, particularly when driving your vehicle.
In September 2021, a driver consumed nitrous oxide before hitting the road. She mowed down several people on the Champs-Élysées, before her vehicle flipped onto its side.
•
© France Télévisions
A driver who had consumed it mowed down five people on the Champs-Élysées in September 2021. The accident left several seriously injured.
This sector is managed by Jeanne d'Hauteserre. Today, the mayor (Les Républicains) of the 8th arrondissement is campaigning to include nitrous oxide in the list of drugs prohibited for people. “This product alters their behavior and is also a danger for public spaces. The police officers I met demand that the legislation be more specific“, she pleads.
The mayor (Les Républicains) of the 8th arrondissement of Paris, Jeanne d'Hauteserre, is very angry against users of nitrous oxide. She calls for even stronger measures.
•
© France Télévisions
Beyond the legal and criminal aspect, nitrous oxide constitutes a public health issue. This gas is normally used in whipped cream siphons. Diverted from its normal use, it can cause serious or even fatal effects. In five years, the number of hospitalizations has increased 45-fold.
READ ALSO ► Under nitrous oxide, a driver crashes into three police cars and injures several officers
The Interministerial Mission to Combat Drugs and Addictive Behaviors (Mildeca) has identified risks in particular:d’asphyxiation from lack of oxygen“, or even “neurological, hematological, psychiatric or cardiac disorders” in case of repeated use.
