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<\/p>\nThe New South Wales Government is cracking down on the sale of nitrous oxide, conceding an increase in recreational use is leading to serious harm.<\/p>\n
The chemical compound is used legally in hospitality and medical industries, but can also be used as a recreational drug \u2014 often referred to as nangs.<\/p>\n
In New South Wales it will be illegal to sell cylinders or tanks containing more than ten grams of nitrous oxide from November 5.<\/p>\n
It will also be illegal to sell bulbs, which typically contain 8-10 grams of nitrous oxide, to anyone under 18.<\/p>\n
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Canisters containing more than 10 grams of nitrous oxide will be illegal in NSW. (ABC News: Craig Hansen)<\/p>\n
In Australia, nitrous oxide is typically sold over the counter by retailers like tobacconists or online by companies offering 24\/7 delivery services.<\/p>\n
Since 2020, more than a dozen deaths around the country have been examined for the potential role of nitrous oxide, including its involvement in accidents like drowning, car crashes, suffocation and complications from chronic use.<\/p>\n
The NSW government reforms will put the onus on retailers selling nitrous oxide.<\/p>\n
Between 10pm and 5am, sales will be restricted to a 250g limit on the amount of nitrous oxide an individual can purchase.<\/p>\n
Same day delivery and supply will also be restricted.<\/p>\n
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Nitrous oxide is often sold as whipped cream “chargers”. (ABC News: Craig Hansen)<\/p>\n
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the crackdown was coming to protect vulnerable younger people in the state.<\/p>\n
“The prevalence of nitrous oxide abuse \u2014 or nangs \u2014 is escalating in our community, and it is having a profound impact on the health of our young people,” Mr Park said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Businesses found to be in breach of the new NSW rules could be fined $11,000 per offence, while any individual selling in breach of the regulations can face fines of up to $2,200.<\/p>\n
Businesses would also be required to keep a record of sales to ensure they are compliant with new supply limits.<\/p>\n
The dangers of nangsLoading…<\/p>\n
A recent 7.30 investigation examined the easy access to nitrous oxide, its booming imports into Australia, and its potentially deadly outcomes.<\/a><\/p>\n Royal Perth Hospital toxicologist Dr Jessamine Soderstrom said medical impacts of recreational nitrous use are wide-ranging.<\/p>\n Toxicologist Jessamine Soderstrom says nitrous oxide use can cause serious health issues. (Supplied: WA Health)<\/p>\n “It causes depression, psychosis, and if you’ve got a pre-existing mental health issue, it worsens that,” she said.<\/p>\n Chronic use can also cause nerve damage and lead to long lasting physical disabilities, including paralysis.<\/p>\n Sam Bramman previously told 7.30 how nangs took a grip on his life and he says the nation needs to pay close attention.<\/p>\n Sam Bramman became addicted to nitrous oxide. (ABC News: Laurence Curson)<\/p>\n “Other states need to step up to the plate and their needs to be a national harmony,” Mr Brammam told 7.30 on Thursday.<\/p>\n “Just by seeing those laws … it would have made it very hard to access\u201d<\/p>\n In NSW a consultation process on new nitrous oxide regulations started in March 2024, but those reforms are only now being enforced.<\/p>\n Watch 7.30<\/a>, Mondays to Thursdays 7:30pm on ABC iview<\/a> and ABC TV<\/p>\n Contact 7.30<\/p>\n![\"Jessamine](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e0a287bb75b033a7bf527d86c6d82208.jpeg\")
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