Parents are being urged to be aware after hundreds of gas cannisters were found dumped in a park.
Litter pickers and park users in Huyton are outraged after finding large nitrous oxide bottles dumped on Jubilee Park. Concerned about the dangers these could have, it is not known where the bottles have come from.
Resident John Carine is urging parents to remain vigilant and wants people to know of the dangers. He told the ECHO: "It's more of a danger to kids on the park.
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"It's been a reoccurring issue for several months now and since the little ones were banned, they seem to be getting hold of the bigger ones. They seem to be everywhere.
"It is worrying. It causes the loss of feeling in your limbs and it's an issue all over not just the park. But young kids use the park, this is not an isolated incident."
One woman, who did not wish to be named, said from March to May, over 100 cannisters were found on Jubilee Park, with some balloons also spotted. Taking to social media to warn residents of the problem, the woman hit out at "the idiots who think it's clever to dump gas cannister" in the park where young children play and people walk their dogs.
She went on to say: "If you want to ruin your own lives, carry on, But the good people of Huyton will shop you to the police if we catch you."
According to TalktoFrank, it is "very dangerous" to inhale nitrous oxide directly from the canister, as is doing it in an enclosed space. They added: "If you take too much nitrous oxide you risk falling unconscious and/or suffocating from the lack of oxygen. People have died this way."
The ECHO previously reported that a doctor warned of the side effects from taking laughing gas. According to Dr Nye and others, the dangers of using the substance include:
Dizziness, dissociation, disorientation, loss of balance, impaired memory and cognition
Loss of feelings in the fingers and toes
Short-lived but intense paranoia
Usage straight from a cannister can lead loss of consciousness or suffocation
Possible birth defects from pregnant users of the drug
Speaking to the ECHO, one anonymous student at a Liverpool University claimed the drug was "literally everywhere" at parties. She said: "It's like it turns them into zombies and all they care about is getting another balloon. It's really sad to see because it completely ruins any party atmosphere and I've seen people in really bad states from taking it."
A Knowsley Council spokesperson said: “Alongside clearing the fly tipped gas cannisters from Jubilee Park, we are monitoring the instances and sharing this information with Merseyside Police to inform their response. A number of council services and partners are working together to address this complex issue. This includes an approach to divert and support young people to reduce use, and providing schools with an education programme, delivered by the local specialist drug and alcohol treatment service, Change Grow Live.
“These programmes will raise awareness of the serious health risks associated with breathing in nitrous oxide from cannisters, and where residents can access support and advice to reduce or stop their use. When used incorrectly, particularly in enclosed spaces, inhaling nitrous oxide from a cannister can cause serious health issues including fainting, loss of consciousness from the lack of oxygen and, in extreme cases, can be fatal. It can be difficult to judge the right amount of use that is ‘safe’ and heavy regular use may lead to vitamin B12 deficiencies resulting in serious long-lasting nerve damage.”
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