March 21, 2025

Researchers highlight the hidden dangers of nitrous oxide use

Nitrous oxide safety resources take off on social media with more than 37K views across Instagram and TikTok

A team including University of Wollongong (UOW) researchers have worked alongside young people to develop the first Australian resources to reduce harm from nitrous oxide use, commonly known as ‘nangs’, amid growing concerns about its widespread availability and potential dangers.

The group worked with young researchers with lived experience to better understand how they use nitrous oxide and create targeted harm reduction materials. The research was led by Professor Julaine Allan from the Rural Health Research Institute at Charles Sturt University. It also included Associate Professor Jacqui Cameron from UOW's School of Social Sciences.

"What we found particularly concerning was that many young people were either unaware of or unconcerned about the serious risks, despite experiencing physical and psychological effects themselves," said Professor Allan.

"The easy availability and relatively low cost of nitrous oxide, combined with a perception that it's harmless, creates a perfect storm for potential harm."

In Australia nitrous oxide can be obtained online and over the counter from a variety of outlets. It can even be delivered in bulk to your door. Nitrous oxide is commonly used medically in anaesthesia and by the catering industry; it’s accessibility often leading to misconceptions that the drug is safe.

The researchers say availability of much larger canisters (including flavoured varieties) is also linked to an increase in significant harms. These can deliver roughly 70 times the amount of nitrous oxide as traditional small canisters. Larger bulbs allow people to consume more of the gas at one time and they often experience health problems more quickly as a result.

A recent study undertaken by Professor Allan and colleagues from UOW, including Associate Professor Cameron, Dr Kenny Kor and Dr Helen Simpson, highlighted several risky usage patterns by young people. These included using nitrous oxide while driving or standing (leading to accidents and/or falls), mixing with other substances, and improper handling of canisters resulting in burns. The research also found that cross-generational use often reinforced beliefs about the drug's safety.

"By involving young people with lived experience as peer researchers, we were able to gain authentic insights into how and why young people use nitrous oxide. This helped us develop resources that speak directly to their experiences and concerns," Associate Professor Cameron said.

Associate Professor Jacqui Cameron worked alongside young people to develop harm reduction resources. Photo: Michael GrayThe rise in nitrous oxide use has become a global concern, with countries such as the United Kingdom recently making individual possession of the drug illegal after it was linked to risky driving. While the substance remains legal in Australia, calls for better regulation and harm reduction strategies are growing.

The new resources, co-designed with young people, will be distributed through social media channels and online platforms. The resources aim to provide practical harm reduction strategies without relying solely on abstinence messaging.

"Our goal isn't to judge or condemn, but to ensure young people have accurate information to make safer choices," said Associate Professor Cameron.

"These resources fill a critical gap in drug education and harm reduction materials in Australia and represent a significant step forward in addressing an emerging public health concern.”

More information

Associate Professor Cameron and Professor Allan are available for interviews. You can view the new harm reduction resources via the team’s Instagram or TikTok profiles.