Investor Presentaiton
Nangs
Nitrous oxide is used as a medicine for the purposes of anaesthesia, sedation, or
pain management. It is also used in domestic and commercial catering settings as
a propellant for whipped cream, to infuse flavour into alcoholic drinks, and to create
mousses and foams.
The nitrous oxide is contained in small cylinders, referred to as 'nangs'. Nitrous
oxide is known as a 'party drug' and is commonly used at night venues, clubs,
pubs, events like music festivals and other parties attended by young adults. When
inhaled (referred to as nanging), nitrous oxide can cause giggle fits, short euphoria,
sound distortions, blurred vision and loss of coordination. Some people may
develop psychiatric symptoms such as delusions and delirium. Of greater concern
is that excessive nanging can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system.
The recreational misuse of this gas has grown in Australia. In 2019, information
about recreational drug use collected through the National Drug Strategy
Household Survey found 1.0 per cent of Western Australians aged 14 years and
over (approximately 22,000 individuals) reported using inhalants in the past 12
months. The most common forms of inhalants used in 2019 were nitrous oxide.
During 2020 there were 22 nitrous oxide related presentations to emergency
departments at Western Australian public hospitals, including 8 patients with
severe subacute degeneration of the spinal cord 10.
In response to the public health risks associated with nangs the department
sought feedback on proposed reform options from key stakeholders including
industry peak bodies representing wholesalers, retailers, and the restaurant,
catering, and hotels industry.
On 1 October 2022, nitrous oxide gas canisters were reclassified as a Schedule
6 poison and the sale of nitrous oxide was regulated under the Medicines and
Poisons Act 2014 in line with the national restrictions on the sale of nitrous oxide.
Canisters must now be labelled with the word 'poison' and have specific warnings
against inhalation. Schedule 6 poisons cannot be sold to persons under 16 years
of age and where they are supplied for retail, must be stored in such a way as to
prevent access by children.
9. National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019 (aihw.gov.au)
10. CRIS Supply of nitrous oxide September 2022 (health.wa.gov.au)
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