The misuse of nitrous oxide can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, leading to loss of peripheral sensation, loss of motor control and even paralysis, which can also be fatal. Use a large amount for a long time laughing gas can make vitamin B12 irreversible oxidation reaction of cobalt ions, lose vitamin B12 activity, lead to the depletion of vitamin B12, and vitamin B12 is nucleoprotein and myelination necessary coenzyme, long-term lack of can cause nerve damage, and multiple system and organ damage, longer duration of smoking laughing gas, and even can lead to paralysis. Existing studies have shown that the most common diagnoses reported by patients who abuse nitrile gas are subacute comorbidities of the spinal cord, multiple neuropathy and myelopathy, and the most commonly reported clinical manifestations are limb paresthesia, numbness, tingling, unsteady gait, difficulty in walking, weakness, and falls or balance disorders.

EllenDaniels, chief executive of BCGA, wrote to PritiPatel, the home secretary, this week: "We call on the government to use its consumer protection rights to ban all direct sales of nitrous oxide to consumers once and for all." Congress also debated the issue Tuesday night, with lawmakers calling for action to address the problem.

Taiwan's Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announced on July 20 that it will designate nitrous oxide (N2O) as a controlled substance. It expects to make an official announcement before the end of October. The stricter control will take effect immediately, making it the first "chemical of concern" to be listed.