Nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas, has in recent years become one of the most popular recreational drugs in clubs, discos and private parties in Europe. Young people pass balloons filled with this colorless gas to inhale it two or three times and experience a certain intoxication or a feeling of well-being and joy. Although the effect usually lasts a maximum of three minutes, its continued use not only creates addiction – like any other narcotic – but can also damage the spinal cord. This sequel is due to nitrous oxide blocking the action of vitamin B12. In addition, overdoses cause fainting and even respiratory arrest.
Laughing gas was discovered at the end of the 18th century by the British chemist Joseph Priestley, but only from 1840 did it begin to be used as an anesthetic in medicine, a use that is given today.
