Concerns concerning the proliferation of ‘hippy crack’: Empty industrial-grade cylinders 80 times the size of standard canisters litter Notting Hill’s streets after the carnival, despite warnings about a dangerous trend.
Small silver nitrous oxide canisters are a common sight in urban areas.
They are progressively being replaced with larger tubes, which has drug specialists concerned.
The cylinders shown in Notting Hill are manufactured by the Amsterdam-based company Fast Gas.
This morning, giant laughing gas containers were spotted dotting the streets of Notting Hill, suggesting a new summer fad that has drug specialists concerned.
Young people often consume nitrous oxide at parties and music festivals, and the small silver canisters it is typically sold in have become commonplace in town centres and parks.
Last weekend, industrial-sized tubes of “noss” were spotted during the Notting Hill Carnival and another London celebration.
Some of the containers, according to experts, are capable of delivering 80 times the typical amount of gas, hence increasing the likelihood that individuals may consume excessive quantities.
This morning, large containers of nitrous oxide or “noss” were spotted on the streets of Notting Hill.
Large canisters are utilized in the catering sector. Possession of a large canister is not illegal, but selling a controlled substance for recreational use is.
The containers are widely available online and on social media, and last weekend, vendors were observed selling inflated balloons for £10 at the Electric City festival in Gunnersbury Park, West London.
Local officers in Southgate, north London, have routinely discovered big mounds of the oversized canisters in public locations.
According to Fast Gas, the Amsterdam-based manufacturer of the cylinders spotted in Notting Hill, their goods are utilized in restaurant settings to generate whipped cream.
However, their website strongly suggests that they are also intended for recreational use, with a section stating: ‘We value your privacy so much that we do not include logos on the packaging.
So that no one can determine where an order is placed. It arrives anonymous at your doorstep, or if you order for a pal at his of course. #just asking for a friend!’
A assessment commissioned by the government is currently examining if more needs to be done to reduce the usage of larger canisters.
Excessive use may result in asphyxia and even death. While long-term use can result in anemia and vitamin B12 insufficiency.
Fast Gas, the manufacturer of the cylinders seen in Notting Hill, claims their products are used in restaurants to whip cream.
The company’s website strongly suggests they are also intended for recreational use, with a section stating, “We value your privacy so much that we do not place logos on the packaging.”
Kerri Anne was left largely paralyzed after ingesting an excessive number of tiny canisters containing nitrous oxide.
She told the BBC, “Perhaps, in a week, I might fill 600 canisters.” “I would be unable to accomplish anything for the next week, I would sleep 12+ hours every day, and I would vomit.” I would experience sweating and be unable to eat or drink water.
I was unable to walk or move my hands.
The frequent and excessive usage of the medicine rendered her legs numb and placed her under her father’s daily care.
She continued, “At the moment, I cannot do anything for myself.” I can’t just get up and leave the house, which is why I have my father. I need to use a toilet. He practically does everything for me.
A drug dealer stated that it was “a walk in the park” to find consumers interested in purchasing the larger canisters on social media.
“It’s hazardous. I don’t believe people should do it, but as long as they do, I’ll sell it,’ stated the unidentified dealer.
Professor of Substance Use at Liverpool John Moores University, Harry Sumnall, expressed worry on the availability of much larger canisters that might potentially carry 80 or even 90 times the amount of nitrous oxide.
There is genuine anxiety regarding these considerably bigger amounts.
Local officers in Southgate, north London, have often encountered enormous heaps of the oversized containers in public locations.
On Friday, a photograph was taken showing large containers of nitrous oxide outside the Southgate Leisure Centre.
A 16-year-old teenager nearly died in June after laughing gas at the Parklife festival caused his lung to rupture.
Alex Littler, from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, was transported to the hospital on the 20th of June after complaining of a swollen neck, shortness of breath, and a chest that felt like “popping bubble wrap” when touched owing to a punctured lung.
The year 11 boy was compelled to admit to doctors and his mother, Cathy McCann, 44, that he had taken nitrous oxide during the weekend of June 11 and 12 while attending the Parklife music festival in Heaton Park, Manchester.
Doctors diagnosed him with a damaged and leaky lung and told him he was fortunate to be alive, but cautioned that he may require surgery to remove air trapped around his lungs and heart.
Nitrous oxide is purchased in canisters and used lawfully as an anesthetic and as a propellant for whipped cream, but it is frequently pumped into balloons and breathed by persons seeking a “high.”
Alex has pledged never to ingest the substance again, confessing that he “didn’t know the hazards.” Cathy, a beauty therapist, describes Alex’s ordeal as “terrifying.”
Nitrous oxide is commonly consumed by young people at parties and festivals, and the small silver canisters in which it is typically sold have become commonplace in town centres and parks.