Rise in Nitrous Oxide Deaths and Injuries Prompts New Disposal Measures in Victoria
A coronial investigation in Victoria has documented a rise in deaths and injuries linked to nitrous oxide, while the City of Melbourne is separately proposing new disposal measures for discarded canisters.
Key Findings on Health Impacts
A coronial investigation reported 16 deaths linked to nitrous oxide in Victoria between 2020 and 2025. This compares to just four deaths recorded in the preceding two decades.
Doctors at Melbourne hospitals report an increase in emergency department presentations for complications including paralysis, spinal damage, brain injuries, and burns.
Medical Professional Observations
Dr Brendan Morrissey, deputy director of emergency medicine at St Vincent's Hospital, stated that patients have arrived in cardiac arrest and with irreversible nerve damage leading to loss of lower limb function.
"Patients have arrived in cardiac arrest and with irreversible nerve damage leading to loss of lower limb function."
Dr Mark Putland, director of emergency medicine at Royal Melbourne Hospital, described the consequences to include permanent spinal damage, brain damage, and psychosis.
Dr Jacqueline Maplesden, emergency physician at St Vincent's Hospital, noted a shift from smaller 8-gram canisters to larger ones containing up to 200 times the amount of gas, which increases the risk of hypoxia and asphyxiation.
Regulatory Context
The sale of nitrous oxide for culinary or medical purposes is legal in Victoria. However, it is illegal to sell the substance with knowledge of intended inhalation.
In 2021, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) decided not to classify nitrous oxide as a Schedule 10 poison, citing its legitimate uses. The TGA has stated it is working with states on responses to misuse.
Proposed Canister Disposal Plan
The City of Melbourne is considering dedicated bins for nitrous oxide canisters to address unsafe disposal. In 2024, the council recovered nearly 50,000 canisters from apartment skip bins and streets. Owner corporations reportedly spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on disposal.
The proposal would operate similarly to e-waste collection: bins would be provided by the city, and facility managers would call for replacement when full. The council report indicates a trial on high-rise buildings is under consideration.
"Currently, no proper disposal method exists for the canisters."
The containers pose explosion and fire risks when placed in standard bins. Whitehorse City Council has reported rising dumping incidents and noted that canisters require specialist collection and cannot go in hard waste.
Statement from Officials
Lord Mayor Nick Reece stated that dumping canisters is dangerous and that a better disposal method is needed.
"Dumping canisters is dangerous and a better disposal method is needed."
Broader Regulatory Responses
In South Australia, canisters can be taken to waste centres for free disposal. Some states, including South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia, have introduced regulations.
- Western Australia bans large canister sales and restricts sales of 10-gram canisters to registered businesses.
- New South Wales announced crackdowns including age restrictions and purchase limits.
Calls for national law reform have been made, including by Canterbury Bankstown councillor Harry Stavrinos, who urged stricter controls on who can purchase the gas. In Sydney, 10 large cylinders were dumped in a playground.
"Stricter controls are needed on who can purchase the gas."