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

“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.

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.