Supersized nitrous oxide canisters are becoming a more common sight across Merseyside, posing greater health risks to young people, including burns, nerve damage, and incontinence. The larger ‘smartwhip’ style canisters, branded with names like ‘cream deluxe’, are replacing the smaller 8g ‘whippet’ canisters once found on pavements and parks.
Visible signs of a drug crisis
Over the past week, reports have emerged of nitrous oxide canisters being dumped in Kirkdale, Belle Vale, Netherton, and parts of Knowsley. The drug, also known as laughing gas or NOS, is legally used by doctors as a sedative and painkiller, and as a propellant in aerosol cans for whipped cream. However, it has become one of the most-used drugs by 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK over the last decade.
Users typically inhale the gas in social settings, and it can cause feelings of relaxation and giggling, but also dizziness, anxiety, and paranoia. Nitrous oxide also carries the risk of blocking oxygen flow to the brain, causing fainting, and leading to long-term health damage.
Shift to larger canisters
In July of this year, 50 nitrous oxide canisters were found in a box at the back of a shop in Wavertree, with nozzles and balloons “conveniently” separated into snap bags, seemingly ready for sale to users intending to use it as a drug. While the number of people taking nitrous oxide has dropped, an expert has warned that those using it are inhaling more than previous generations, thanks to these larger canisters, putting themselves at greater risk.
In November 2023, the Home Office classified nitrous oxide as a Class C substance, making possession illegal. According to the Government’s Crime Survey, the number of 16-24 year olds consuming nitrous oxide was 85% lower in 2024/25 than the peak in 2019/20, and 79% lower for all adults. However, the amount of children in treatment for solvent and inhalant misuse, which includes nitrous oxide, has nearly tripled in just a few years, from 329 in 2021 to 2022 to 919 from 2024 to 2025.
Local and national responses
Last week, Sefton Central MP Bill Esterson wrote to the Home Secretary, claiming that constituents had contacted him about the growing use of nitrous oxide in his constituency. Concerns were raised about how easy it is to buy, canisters being littered across communities, and people inhaling the gas while driving. A spokesperson for Oasis Recovery Runcorn, a UK Addiction Treatment Centres (UKAT) Group rehab facility, told the ECHO it is treating 10% more clients at Runcorn now than in 2019 for nitrous oxide abuse.
Gary See, Labour councillor for Roby, has launched a joint petition with Cllr Colin Dever, who represents the Swanside ward, to increase awareness of the dangers of the drug and make it easier to dispose of the canisters. Speaking to the ECHO, Cllr See said: "I wouldn't say there was a particular area (that you’ll see canisters). I think if you drive around anywhere across the Liverpool City Region, you will see them."
Stephen Ream, who works for national solvent abuse charity Re-Solv, told the ECHO: "Although there have been significant increases in police and border force seizures, it still sounds as though nitrous oxide is relatively easy to get hold of, through dealers, the internet and from high street shops who are selling it covertly." He added that harms include nerve damage and paralysis, burns, blood clots, incontinence, and some reports of psychosis.
The ECHO approached the Home Office for comment. In a previous statement, a spokesperson responded: "It is an offence to possess nitrous oxide with intention to wrongfully inhale it, and supplying it could lead to 14 years in prison." Merseyside Police were also approached for a response.
Knowsley Council is asking the public to report any nitrous oxide canisters online. Anyone with information on criminality can contact Merseyside Police via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook, or call 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
