Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002334/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nadine Morano (PPE)
Several Member States have reported an increase in cases of severe poisoning and deaths related to recreational use of nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’), especially among young people. In 2023, some 472 incidents were reported to the French CEIP-A, an organisation which assesses and monitors drug addiction, an increase of 30% compared to 2022.
In 92% of the cases, the doses consumed were high, often from large-volume canisters, and 50% of users reported daily consumption. More than 80% of cases presented serious neurological complications, including spinal cord damage. According to Santé publique France, in 2022 some 14% of 18-24 year-olds had experimented with nitrous oxide. The rules vary greatly from one Member State to another.
- 1.Does the Commission intend to harmonise the rules on the sale and use of nitrous oxide at European level?
- 2.Are there plans to include nitrous oxide in the scope of the European Union Drugs Agency and in the Early Warning System?
- 3.What information campaigns are being supported at European level to raise awareness of the neurological and respiratory risks associated with using nitrous oxide?
Submitted: 11.6.2025