Moscow, Sep 18 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia’s drug control agency has proposed banning the sale of nitrous oxide – also known as laughing gas – saying the substance was a “challenge” to the country.

“Laughing gas is, in our opinion, another challenge to our country because nitrous oxide is not controllable,” said Viktor Ivanov, head of the Federal Drug Control Service.
“Rules regarding its sales and use should be introduced as soon as possible,” he said.
He warned that the substance, also used as anaesthetic, “affects the central nervous system and inflicts significant harm to health”.
In Russia, the gas is currently on unrestricted sale.
–IANS/RIA Novosti
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