- Nitrous oxide is a relatively new phenomenon and there is currently no law regulating its use, says Viveca Andersson, coordinator at the Östergötland County Administrative Board.
An increased focus on narcotics characterizes the County Board's new ANDTS strategy, which is a regional strategy for preventive work in alcohol, narcotics, doping, tobacco and gambling.
For example, zero vision is introduced against drug-related mortality.
Common among children and young people
For the first time, the strategy also includes efforts to prevent gambling, the use of nicotine products and to counter the use of nitrous oxide for intoxicating purposes.
- We have seen that nitrous oxide is used by children and young people and it can be very dangerous.
We are now working to get information out about the harmful effects it can cause, says Viveca Andersson, coordinator at the Östergötland County Administrative Board.
May lead to oxygen deficiency
Nitrous oxide cartridges are sold in regular shops and on the internet and there is no statutory ban or age limit for selling them.
- The biggest risk is that you can get a lack of oxygen in the brain and that is very dangerous, says Viveca Andersson.