A coroner has suggested that the availability of nitrous oxide, commonly known as “nangs,” be reevaluated in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) following the drowning of an 18-year-old in Canberra in 2023.
Coroner Ken Archer determined that the young man’s use of nitrous oxide shortly before his vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a pond was a critical factor in his demise.
In his recently released report, Mr. Archer urged the ACT government to create focused educational resources to inform the public about the dangers associated with nitrous oxide consumption.
The tragic incident involving the teenager has led to this recommendation for a review of nitrous oxide’s accessibility in the ACT. Coroner Archer examined the circumstances surrounding the drowning of the 18-year-old, who died after his car left the roadway in Greenway, situated in the southern part of Canberra, and rapidly sank in Isabella Pond.
In his findings, published this week, Coroner Archer noted that the young man was significantly affected by nitrous oxide at the time of the accident, labeling its use as a “significant contributing factor” to the drowning.
Witnesses reported seeing the teenager inhaling from a balloon or similar object shortly before the incident occurred.
Nitrous oxide is typically available in large high-pressure canisters or small steel cartridges, often referred to as “nangs,” with several found in the vehicle involved in the accident.
Coroner Archer remarked that this incident marks the first recorded fatal car accident in the ACT in which impairment from nitrous oxide played a substantial role. He cautioned, however, that without reliable data on the prevalence of nitrous oxide use within the community, this may not be an isolated case of nitrous oxide-related impairment leading to a traffic incident.
Concerns regarding recreational nitrous oxide use have been amplified in light of the teenager’s death. Coroner Archer highlighted significant public safety issues related to the gas, which is easily accessible in the ACT, including at convenience stores and tobacconists.
During the inquest, ACT Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerryn Coleman mentioned that other regions are contemplating regulatory measures for nitrous oxide but noted that there are currently no intentions in the ACT to impose new regulations concerning this substance.
Dr. Coleman also pointed out that there is a lack of specific data on incidents of poisoning, hospital visits, rates of misuse, or the relative harm associated with nitrous oxide in the ACT, making it challenging to assess the extent of recreational use.
Coroner Archer expressed concern over the absence of data and emphasized that the situation necessitates a comprehensive approach aimed at addressing supply, demand, and harm reduction strategies.
He indicated that the non-medical use of nitrous oxide, particularly among youth, is alarming in the ACT. As a result, he recommended a thorough review of the existing regulatory framework, which should explore ways to restrict access to large nitrous oxide canisters for non-therapeutic purposes.
Additionally, Mr. Archer advocated for the potential prohibition of nitrous oxide sales to individuals under 18 and emphasized the need for developing targeted educational initiatives to raise awareness about the risks linked to nitrous oxide use.
