The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) has cautioned nightclubs, pubs and party organisers to desist from the inappropriate use of nitrous oxide gas in their facilities.
That, it said, was because nitrous oxide gas was extremely hazardous and included risks of low blood pressure, heart attack and anaemia.
Nitrous oxide gas is used as a propellant and a preservative in the food industry and a medical anaesthetic analgesic.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), FDA, Delese Mimi Darko, and copied to the Ghanaian Times in Accra on Tuesday.
“The attention of the FDA has been drawn to the abuse or misuse of nitrous oxide gas at night clubs and parties in the forms of balloons and canisters to induce euphoria and laughter. Abusers of nitrous oxide gas are prone to the risk of suffocating and loss of consciousness,” she stated.
Mrs Darko said long-term recreational use of the gas could also compromise the immune system, mental and neurological disorders (hand and foot numbness and limb spasms), depression and incontinence.
She, therefore, urged the public to promptly report to the authority on the abuse of the gas.
“The Authority is collaborating with other relevant stakeholder agencies to address the emerging safety concerns. In the meantime, the FDA assures the public of its commitment in ensuring public health and safety through continuous public education, engagement and sensitisation of the public on the risks of substance abuse,” she added.
BY TIMES REPORTER
