Lachgas ban: Cities react to increasing health risks!

Lachgas ban: Cities react to increasing health risks!

Lately, more and more cities in Hesse have targeted the sale and consumption of laughing gas. Lachgas, also known as a distinctive monoxide, is often misused as a party drug and can be associated with considerable health risks. In view of these dangers, various municipalities think about stricter regulations to protect young people and contain the problem. Hessenschau reports that corresponding bans are already introduced in cities such as Hanau, Kassel and Frankfurt were.

In particular, the city council in Limburg has decided measures that are now being included in the hazard defense regulation. At the request of the German Press Agency, a spokeswoman for the city confirmed that they have decided to implement new rules for the consumption of laughing gas in Darmstadt. In May a ban was introduced for playgrounds, green areas and the pedestrian zone in the city center, while a ban on sales is currently being examined.

health risks of laughing gas

Where does the need for action come from? Lachgas has long since moved away from its original medical use as a gentle anesthetist in dentistry and is increasingly misused as a drug. Consumption is usually carried out by inhaling, with the gas from balloons or gas cartridges being removed. According to Augsburger General can cause serious health damage. These include frostbite in the mouth, unconsciousness and also serious neurological damage.

There are other risks for long -term users that go far beyond the initial symptoms. This includes destruction of brain cells, disorders of the musculoskeletal system and in women an increased risk of miscarriages. The city administration of Mörfelden-Walldorf has recognized this problem and, like in Darmstadt, has planned to adopt a regulation to regulate laughing gas consumption-despite the fact that no cases of consumption have been reported to young people so far.

nationwide regulations in planning

The Hessian City Day has not yet adequately evaluated the situation in rural municipalities such as Kelsterbach, Fuldatal or Pohlheim. However, it is clear that the need for sharper laws is not only discussed locally, but also at the state and federal level. An application from the government factions of the CDU and SPD suggests examining a nationwide sales and transfer ban. A nationwide ban for sale to minors is also up for debate. ndr also emphasizes that laughing gas as a strong greenhouse gas also has ecological effects.

Overall, it can be seen that the problem of laughing gas and its abuse requires urgent need for action. The Hessian cities stand together and plan sharper regulations to protect the health of their young citizens and to counteract future dangers.