Surge in nitrous oxide intoxications reported in emergency call data

In recent years, there has been a growing concern over the misuse of nitrous oxide, a gas commonly used in whipped cream dispensers, among young people in Germany. Toxicologist David Steindl has called for advertising for nitrous oxide to also be prohibited, joining the chorus of voices advocating for stricter regulations.

The Poison Help Line responsible for Bavaria recorded a significant increase in cases of nitrous oxide poisoning. In 2023, there were 6 cases, which rose to 12 in 2024, and since the beginning of 2024, there have been 5 more cases. Most of these cases involved young adults, according to toxicologist Katrin Romanek.

The number of inquiries regarding nitrous oxide poisoning nearly doubled from 2023 to 2024 in Germany. In Baden-Württemberg, for instance, the Poison Information Centre reported 6 inquiries in 2023 and 17 in 2024. Similarly, in Berlin and Brandenburg, the number of inquiries about nitrous oxide poisoning rose from 35 to 66.

The Poison Information Centre North (PIC North) reported 34 consultations on nitrous oxide poisoning, up from 19 the previous year. In some cases, PIC North reported permanent damage such as paralysis of the arm and leg muscles.

Dagmar Prasa, director of the Joint Poison Information Centre (GIZ) based in Erfurt, stated that when adolescents are admitted to hospital with neurological problems, there is often a suspicion that nitrous oxide abuse may be involved.

The German government has proposed a bill to prohibit the acquisition and possession of nitrous oxide for minors. This follows the UK's lead, where nitrous oxide (N2O) has been regulated under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 and classified as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 since November 2023, making its possession a criminal offense. Germany is considering and has recently passed legislation (July 2025) specifically banning the acquisition and possession of nitrous oxide for children and adolescents.

The planned law aims to ban online trading and purchases from vending machines of nitrous oxide. The EU Drugs Agency (EUDA) points out the danger of accidents involving nitrous oxide, such as incidents while driving increasing by 80 percent between 2019 and 2021 in the Netherlands.

In the Netherlands, more than one in ten 18 to 24-year-olds had taken nitrous oxide in the past 12 months, according to a study from 2020. Proof of nitrous oxide abuse is difficult to obtain, according to Romanek.

Awareness campaigns should be launched to inform young people and young adults about the serious consequences of nitrous oxide consumption. With the increasing number of cases, it is crucial to educate the public about the potential dangers of misusing this gas.