Laughing gas use a ‘tragedy waiting to happen’, warns Levenmouth councillor

Cllr Colin Davidson is urging locals to contact police if they discover large quantities of laughing gas canisters, having noticed an increase in the amount of disposed canisters in Levenmouth.

Nitrous oxide, which is more commonly known as laughing gas, is usually inhaled using a balloon to get a short high, but it can cause hallucinations and potentially death.

The substance is stored in small canisters for use as a propellant. But under the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016), it is illegal to use the gas recreationally, since it has psychoactive properties if inhaled.

Cllr Davidson has reported finding canisters in the area around Silverburn Park, under the Bawbee Bridge and at the docks, and discovered around 40 discarded canisters during one walk.

“Inhaling any chemical for the wrong reason is dangerous,” he said.

“I know young people are struggling at the moment, but it’s highly dangerous. It could lead to a death.”

Cllr Davidson has asked police to try and work out where the canisters are coming from in the Levenmouth area.

He believes the increase in use might be related to the lockdown.

“We’ve got to protect our young people,” Cllr Davidson added. “It’s a tough time, but this is a tragedy waiting to happen. We have to ask the public to be aware. This needs to be reported to the police.”