POLICE have warned parents of young people in Teignmouth and Dawlish about the dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide.

They warn of damage to people’s throats and lungs and it could even stop you breathing.

The local police took to Facebook to alert young people and their parents: “NITROUS OXIDE – Parents Guide. We are seeing a rapid increase in these metal canisters littered on the streets locally.

They are NITROUS OXIDE cannisters also known as Laughing gas, balloons, chargers, ‘hippy crack’, Nos.

‘Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas that is found in pressurised metal canisters.

‘It is becoming increasingly popular with young people in the UK and is readily available to buy online.

‘Nitrous Oxide is used by dentists as a sedative and anaesthetic agent.

‘It is also used in the catering industry and is often found in silver, pressurised whipped cream chargers or ‘whippets’

‘If someone takes too much nitrous oxide, they risk falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen.

‘Using nitrous oxide directly from a large canister makes it harder to keep track of how much you are taking so you’re more likely to suffer the negative effects of using a lot of gas.

‘This is a depressant drug, which slows down the body.

‘Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from the canister is very dangerous because the gas is under such high pressure, and it comes out as extremely cold.

‘This can damage your throat and lungs; stop you breathing or slow your heart to a dangerous level.’

For further information https://crowd.in/rLMdTI

One person commented: ‘Two lots recently in the trading estate behind the station.’

LEFT: a typical packet of nitrous oxide.