Police appeal: If someone is using this in a car, please report it immediately!

Comprehensive report from New Zealand Chinese Herald Police and the Department of Health have expressed concern that an increasing number of drivers are inhaling nitrous oxide, also known as “laughing gas”.

Assistant Police Commissioner Tusha Penny, responsible for road policing and area support, said using anything that impairs judgment, coordination or awareness while driving can have fatal consequences.

“We are seeing an increasing number of serious crashes involving the use of laughing gas, including some that have resulted in fatalities.”

Last year, a Coroner report revealed that a driver involved in a crash in Waikato in 2024 was severely affected by inhaling laughing gas when he crossed the center line of the road and entered the opposite lane.

The head-on collision killed five people.

Police said investigations into other similar incidents were ongoing and stressed the risks of misuse of laughing gas were “clear and serious”.

“Inhaling laughing gas can quickly cause dizziness, confusion and even fainting,” police said.

Penny said police would like to thank the public for reporting anyone using laughing gas in a car.

“We have taken action on these reports which has helped prevent harm and potentially save lives.”

Police also said they were communicating with retailers and reminding them that selling laughing gas for recreational use is illegal under the relevant legislation.

Penny said: “In the coming weeks, we will send reminder letters to regional retailers with more prominent problems to urge them to fulfill their relevant legal obligations.”

Chief Medical Officer of Health Joe Bourne said laughing gas could cause serious harm if used for recreational inhalation.

“Seemingly harmless laughing gas can actually pose real risks. When inhaled, it removes oxygen from the lungs and blood, causing dizziness, fainting and, in some cases, life-threatening conditions.”

“It goes without saying that experiencing dizziness or fainting while driving is extremely dangerous.”

Bourne also noted that heavy, frequent or long-term use of laughing gas can cause nerve damage, causing weakness, numbness, and long-term mobility or coordination problems.

He recommended that anyone who has used these products and is concerned about their health should contact a medical provider promptly.

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