Nitrous oxide is a gas found, in particular, in household siphon cartridges. It has a laughing effect when inhaled and has become popular with adolescents in recent years. This gas is also used in medicine for its pain relieving properties. Gas cans are easily purchased in stores and on the Internet.
Nitrous oxide can cause cognitive impairment in the long term, such as loss of intellectual ability. In the short term, during use, the risks are associated with suffocation and cause irreversible burns to the respiratory tract.
The French Parliament banned its misuse on May 25 - now the law prohibits the sale or offer to minors of nitrous oxide in any package anywhere in France with a fine of up to 15,000 euros.
In June 2020, the city of Cannes pioneered and banned the consumption of nitrous oxide and its sale to minors. Mayor David Lisnard specifically warned the government about the dangerous consequences for children's health and the environment. Five months later, on October 14, 2020, Prefect of the Alpes-Maritimes Bernard Gonzalez followed Cannes's lead and issued a decree that extended to the entire department.
Now the Cannes initiative has been supported at the national level.