“The proto is too risky to laugh about,” warn two regional health agencies which are launching an awareness campaign

2023-11-07 15:55:12

Nearly 14% of 18-24 year olds have consumed nitrous oxide at least once in their life, according to figures from Public Health France, published in October.

Published on 07/11/2023 16:55

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“At least 100 serious cases” linked to the use of laughing gas have been recorded in Hauts-de-France in 2022, we can read in a press release from the regional health agencies, consulted by franceinfo on Tuesday November 7. Entitled “The proto, it’s too risky to laugh about it”, the ARS of Hauts-de-France and Île-de-France are launching an awareness campaign on Tuesday on “the risks associated with the consumption of nitrous oxide”in other words “laughing gas”.

A campaign launched against “the significant increase in the misuse of this gas”, “particularly among adolescents and young adults” because of his “euphoric effect”. “Whether consumption is occasional or frequent”, the risks are “neurological, cardiovascular, psychological, traumatic” (via falls or road accidents), can be read in the press release.

Consumption “facilitated by low-cost resale sites”

Consumption is particularly high among young adults between 18 and 24 years old, according to figures from Public Health France, published in October. There is “13.7% of 18-24 year olds have used at least once in their life” nitrous oxide, a figure which falls to 4.3% in the age group of 18 to 75 years. A gas used in medicine or cooking, in whipped cream siphons for example, whose consumption is “facilitated by low-cost resale sites and Snapchat accounts offering home deliveries”reports Public Health France.

#CP | “The proto is too risky to laugh about”

L’@ARS_HDF and the@ARS_IDF are launching a campaign to raise awareness of the risks linked to the consumption of nitrous oxide, in the face of a rapidly expanding consumption phenomenon

Discover and share ⬇️

— ARS Hauts-de-France (@ARS_HDF) November 7, 2023

The campaign will be divided into three axes : audio and video spots broadcast on social networks (Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram), YouTube, mobile sites and music streaming platforms and on local radio, a partnership with Jamy Gourmaud, the former flagship presenter of the show It’s not Sorcier and the creation of a dedicated website,parlons-proto.fr with communication kits for partners.