The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has warned that misuse of nitrous oxide, a colourless substance also known as ‘laughing gas’ and used as a propellant in food production, can result in heart attack or death.
Its abuse, says the agency, can also lead to low blood pressure or anaemia.
The head of the FDA in the Upper East region, Sebastian Mawuli Hotor, delivered the warning during the launch of an interschool debate project initiated to stem the rising tide of drug abuse in the region.
“It is worth noting that nitrous oxide, which is colourless and non-inflammatory, has the tendency of causing euphoria and fits of laughter hence the nickname ‘laughing gas’.
“However, several risks associated with its misuse include low blood pressure, anaemia, heart attack or even death,” he stated.
He also listed seven substances he said currently were the most abused in Ghana. Among the substances he mentioned were prescription pain relievers like codeine, tramadol, morphine, phentanyl and pethidine.
The list also had toffees laced with marijuana, energy drinks and alcohol laced with marijuana, such inhalants as nitrous oxide, petrol, glue and sprays, tobacco products like shisha, cigarettes and vapes as well as and benzodiazepines like diazepams (valium) and nitrazepam.
“Furthermore, the chemical toluene which is commonly found in super glue, lacquer, thinners and aerosol paints also causes euphoria and hallucinations when sniffed or inhaled, resulting in brain damage, respiratory failures, slurred speech, et cetera,” said the director.
The interschool debate was initiated by a 2023 TV3 Ghana Most Beautiful (GMB) finalist, Mba Rejoice Aduanige. The project is being driven by the Nongre Foundation Ghana, a charity she founded.
Also present at the event were the Paramount Chief of Chiana and President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, and representatives of state institutions.
While commending the initiators and organisers of the event, the FDA boss also urged stakeholders to invest more efforts in anti-drug abuse initiatives so that “we will not even have the headache of battling the effects on self, family, manpower, community and the whole nation at large”.
Source: Edward Adeti/Media Without Borders/mwbonline.org/Ghana
