Trading Standards Need Help To Tackle Laughing Gas
Newcastle trading standards admit they're almost powerless to shut down companies selling laughing gas.
It's after Metro Radio has done another undercover investigation that's given us proof of illegal sales.
It's the second one in less than two months and comes just days just after a video emerged of England footballer Raheem Sterling appearing to inhale nitrous oxide.
David Ellerington from Newcastle Trading Standards said they would need more evidence to prosecute those selling it illegally but admits that they’re limited.
He said:
“A complete ban on some substances would be useful and if the government would do that it’d be a lot easier. But obviously there are legitimate purposes for this and you don’t want to stop those businesses who do sell these products for catering purposes. So you have to act within the law as all of us have to do that.”
It's illegal to sell nitrous oxide if you believe it's going to be inhaled as a recreational drug.
It can have serious side effects.
British Medical Association's North East Chairman, Dr George Rae said:
"There have been a number of deaths from young people using this, the side effects can be absolutely profound, even catastrophic.
"There have been strokes and heart attacks and blackouts and so forth. And the fact is that there are some catastrophic side effects.
*"People think it's safe but nothing could be further from the truth, if one person has a serious effect from laughing gas then that is undoubtedly one too many." *For more information on the risks visit: http://www.talktofrank.com/drug/nitrous-oxide* *