Authorities in Fife fear a new laughing gas craze across the region could result in deaths.
Empty small silver canisters containing nitrous oxide have been found in dozens of locations throughout the Kingdom, including street corners, play parks and popular tourist areas.
The substance is used for a numer of legitimate purposes, such as numbing pain during medical procedures, airsoft BB guns, in catering aerosol cans and for carbonation in drinks, and is widely available online.
However, it can also be abused by inhaling and it is illegal to sell or import it for human consumption.
Health experts say users risk falling unconscious, nerve damage, and even suffocation from a lack of oxygen.
Vials have been reported at the historic Wemyss Caves; the foreshores at Seafield in Kirkcaldy and at Buckhaven; beauty spots including the Coul Den reservoir near Markinch; various public parks, including sites in Kirkcaldy, Leven, Lochgelly, Glenrothes and Ballingry; and in the grounds of schools, such as St Patrick’s Primary School in Lochgelly and St Kenneth’s Primary School in Ballingry.
Dawn Jamieson, safer communities team manager with Fife Council, said: “We’ve had reports of discarded canisters of nitrous oxide in central Fife and we’ve added the affected areas to our patrols.
“I would advise anyone to report any matters of substance abuse to the police.”
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, whippits, Nos, Hippie Crack, chargers and balloons, is normally kept under such high pressure that it can cause a spasm of the throat muscle and stop a person breathing.
Other risks include dizziness, a deficiency of vitamin B12 which leads to a form of anaemia that can cause serious nerve damage, tingling and numbness in fingers and toes and fainting.
The drug advice agency Talk to Frank said: “Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol is especially dangerous as it can increase the risks associated with both substances and can lead to an increased risk of accidents.”
A police spokesperson said it had been made aware of instances of discarded canisters found in recent months in Fife.
“Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a psychoactive substance which is illegal to supply or sell on,” the spokesperson added.
“Users can also suffer various health implications including dizziness caused by lack of oxygen to the brain.
“Any intelligence received by police in relation to the supply of this substance will be robustly investigated.
“Any member of the public with information should contact police on the 101 number, or, if they wish to remain anonymous, then through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
