Drug researchers warn of the dangers of 'laughing gas' following illegal raves

Following the aftermath of illegal raves in Oldham there are warnings about nitrous oxide.

Scattered among the debris, thousands of nitrous oxide canisters were found at the clean up at Daisy Nook Country Park, where the illegal 'Quarantine Rave' took place last weekend.

Nitrous Oxide, more commonly known as 'laughing gas', is used as ananaesthetic during routine surgery, as well as in the catering industry for whipped cream.

Users inhale the gas from a balloon, leaving them feeling relaxed and happy.

According to the research charity DrugWise, nitrous oxide can lead to mild euphoria, with users experiencing light-headedness and even dizziness and hallucinations.

But inhaling nitrous oxide can also have more fatal consequences, with researchers warning it can result in a lack of oxygen to the brain, causing a person to fall unconscious and even dying through suffocation or heart problems.

Further information and advice is available: