Nitrous Oxide: What's the Harm?

When: Wednesday, June 4, 2025, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Where: The Blizard Institute, Whitechapel

Speaker: Professor Alastair Noyce

Over the last few years, the use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, has become an epidemic within East London. When this drug first started to become popular among young people, the risks were little known. Today we know much more about the damage nitrous oxide can cause, but it is still one of the most commonly used drugs in this age group.

Nitrous oxide can cause damage to the myelin sheath surrounding the nerves that carry messages around the body, particularly those in the spinal cord. Professor Alastair Noyce has been looking into the recreational use of laughing gas and the harm it can do to our nervous system, while also leading the way in creating awareness and guidelines for treatment of this neurological damage. Join us for his Big Question Lecture which will explore the various aspects of this topic.