There has been an “alarming” spike in the number of young people ending up with spinal cord damage and lasting injuries from inhaling nitrous oxide, a study has found. Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as laughing gas or whippets, is legally sold for catering and industrial purposes. He said: “The rise in cases of spinal cord damage since the pandemic is alarming.” The researchers found cases of spinal cord damage caused by nitrous oxide have “spiked significantly” since the covid-19 pandemic. The harm occurs when the drug interferes with the body’s ability to process vitamin B12, leading to a condition called subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SACD). Teenagers “are inhaling laughing gas canisters as they consider it a bit of harmless fun”, said Prof. Looby.

Source: Irish Examiner January 24, 2026 05:34 UTC