Health

Nitrous oxide canisters ‘one of the biggest problems’ now facing litter wardens

Doctors warn of hazards from the gas which, as well as causing neurological damage, can lead to frostbite burns

The Meath Co Council litter warden has said more than 360 laughing gas canisters have been collected from roadsides and estates weekly.
The Meath Co Council litter warden has said more than 360 laughing gas canisters have been collected from roadsides and estates weekly.
Louise Walsh
Wed Mar 20 2024 - 16:45

Hundreds of empty canisters of nitrous oxide are being dumped across Meath each week in what has been described as “one of the biggest problems” now facing the county’s litter wardens.

Meath Co Council litter warden Alan Nolan said the council team as well as community groups are easily cleaning up more than 360 canisters from roadsides and estates every week and there are probably hundreds more in ditches yet to be detected.

Doctors have warned of the dangers of the gas which, as well as causing neurological damage, can cause frostbite burns.

[ Children as young as 10 are trying nitrous oxide, warn frontline workers  ]

Plastic surgeon Catherine de Blacam reported recently on a cluster of seven frostbite burns treated over six months at Crumlin Children’s Hospital and St James’s. The injuries she has treated include frostbite burns so severe skin grafts have been required leaving a permanent scar.

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Meath Co Council has issued a warning to community groups not to touch the empty canisters on their clean-ups and instead to contact local authorities for proper disposal of the hazardous waste.

“In just one area last week in Donore, I picked up 52 canisters. They are being dumped both in boxes of six and individually. I don’t know if they are being inhaled in these places or just dumped there but, alongside fly-tipping, empty canisters of nitrous oxide is definitely the biggest problem we now have,” said Mr Nolan.

“We have also found them in Navan, Kells, Stamullen and Duleek and every other village and town.

“I’m not sure if parents are aware how dangerous or easily accessible these canisters are but I think the message should get out to warn children and young adults of the dangers of inhaling,” he added.