Nitrous oxide: From whipped cream to 21st century high

Nitrous Oxide was first used as an anaesthetic in 1844 but is now a misused 21st century high.

Popular among the young, it is illegal to sell for recreational use though it has a number of legitimate uses.

These include as a pain reliever and in the manufacture of whipped cream.

Official figures have linked Nos to at least 25 deaths since 2010.

It can also cause breathing difficulties, dangerously increased heart rate and burns.

15 November 2019