“Laughing gas” under close surveillance. The City of Lyon announced on Friday that it was banning “the sale, possession and use of nitrous oxide gas cartridges in public spaces”, denouncing a “national scourge” when it is used for recreational purposes such as ” laughing gas”, mainly by adolescents and young adults.
“Through this measure, our priority remains to protect the health and ensure the safety” of all, explains Mohamed Chihi, environmentalist deputy mayor, delegate for Security and signatory of the municipal decree, quoted in a press release. Describing the misuse of this gas as a “national scourge”, the deputy calls for “strong mobilization of the State on this problem”.
Nitrous oxide is classified as a “poisonous substance”. In France, the government has banned its sale to minors and restricted the quantities on sale. In the United Kingdom or the Netherlands, the sale and use has been restricted or prohibited.
Used in cooking for Chantilly siphons and in medicine as an analgesic, its misuse has made it popular with young people. Its instant effect, unrestrainable laughter, gave it the nickname “laughing gas”. “Its consumption can have serious consequences on health and in particular cause neurological disorders, or even hematological or psychiatric complications,” recalls the city of Lyon.
In 2023, the metropolitan services collected more than 7 tonnes of empty nitrous oxide gas cylinders in Lyon, and 25 tonnes throughout the metropolis. In parallel with this decree, the city “commits to strengthening its actions in terms of addiction prevention” and risk reduction, in particular with a teleconsultation system created by the Hospices Civils de Lyon.
Infringements will be punishable by a fine of 150 euros maximum. Other cities have already issued orders to the same effect. In Montpellier, for example, the sale and consumption of nitrous oxide is punishable by a fine of 68 to 450 euros.
In the metropolis of Lyon, cities like Vénissieux (PCF) or Mions (LR) also sanction the possession, use or sale of these nitrous oxide cartridges.
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