A former park ranger has warned young people are risking their health after a “shocking” amount of nitrous oxide canisters were found in Leavesden Country Park.
Nitrous oxide, more commonly known as ‘laughing gas’, is a colourless gas sold in canisters and usually inhaled using a balloon.
Martin Brooks revealed he recently found 50 empty canisters, six used balloons and three empty Creamer Charger boxes in a hidden spot that couldn’t have held more than three people.
The former Leavesden Country Park ranger said: “I was mostly shocked at the sheer quantity of canisters, and I have come across all sorts in this park from used condoms, hypodermic needles and cocaine packaging.
“Young people are once again placing their health and safety in jeopardy by using nitrous oxide as a means of getting high.
“You can see from the attached photos that this is not a one-off event, but that people have found a secluded location in the park to hide their dangerous activities.”
He added there had been a decrease in similar incidents in recent years but fears it may be picking up again due to lockdown boredom.
Taking nitrous oxide can cause feelings of euphoria, calmness and fits of giggles – hence its name ‘laughing gas’ – but it can also cause hallucinations, severe headaches, dizziness and paranoia.
It can also be potentially deadly as it can cause users to lose consciousness or suffocate.
Martin claimed it is too easy to buy and should be illegal, adding: “They produce a temporary high but you could do it just once and have a really bad reaction – it’s playing Russian roulette.”
Conservative MP for Watford Dean Russell has also voiced fears over what appears to be an increase in littered silver canisters.
He said: “Nitrous oxide is an illegal and dangerous drug as it works by slowing down the brain, which can cause users to pass out or hallucinate.
“It is covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act so is illegal to supply for its psychoactive effect.
“The silver canisters that litter our parks seem to have become a more common sight in recent times.”
Three Rivers Council added: “Nitrous oxide abuse is a common problem across all parts of the UK.
"We work closely with youth organisations in the area to raise awareness of the health risks, as well as working closely with police to tackle anti-social behaviour.”
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