What are nangs?

Published:

Information and text from NSW Health’s Your Room website. For more information on nitrous oxide, go to Your Room.

The word 'nangs' is Australian slang that refers to small canisters of nitrous oxide (N2O). Nitrous oxide is usually inhaled via filled balloons and often used at house parties or music festivals, some say due to the effect on hearing or auditory perception. Along with the effect on hearing, other short-term effects include a distorted sense of self or disconnection from yourself and environment, short euphoria, blurred vision and loss of coordination. 

How is nitrous oxide used?

The gas is typically inhaled using party balloons filled from small bulbs or, increasingly, from large canisters of the gas which is expelled from a dispenser. Serious damage can be done to the lungs if the gas is inhaled directly from the dispenser. When inhaled, the fumes enter the bloodstream very quickly and the effects are felt after just a few seconds.

Are nangs safe?

Because nitrous oxide is short acting, some people may underestimate the risks and feel the urge to use a large amount of the drug in one sitting, leading to nitrous oxide poisoning. What may start out as a quick bit of fun at parties, can lead to a lifelong disability if used excessively or without care. The long-term effects of heavy nitrous oxide use are serious and can present after just one to a few sessions of excessive use. These effects may include:

  • Vitamin B12 inactivation (the body can no longer absorb B12)
  • Neurological disorders – development of diseases of the brain, spine and nerves
  • Anaemia - red blood cell deficiency (red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen around your body)
  • Impaired memory and forgetfulness
  • Depression
  • Hallucinations
  • Paranoia
  • Skin hyperpigmentation
  • Permanent numbness in the fingers and toes.

Studies and presentations of patients to hospitals indicate that people who use a large amount of nitrous oxide in one sitting, or binge over several days or months, are at a great risk of poisoning and lasting long-term effects. Patients who suffer from the severe effects of nitrous oxide poisoning are sometimes no longer able to walk on their own and some will live with permanent nerve damage.

Who uses nitrous oxide?

In recent years the recreational use of nitrous oxide in teenagers and young adults has increased, raising concerns among healthcare professionals and parents in Australia and around the world.

The National Drug Strategy Household Survey reported that the use of inhalants, which includes nitrous oxide quadrupled from 2001 to 2019 in Australia. The Australian Secondary Students' Alcohol and Drug Survey found 18% of the 12 to 17 year olds surveyed had intentionally sniffed inhalants at least once in their lifetime. 

With such a sharp increase in use, there has also been an increase in harm. A recent study indicated that the number of calls related to nitrous oxide to Poison Information Centers increased 6 fold between 2016 and 2020. 

Talking to your children about nitrous oxide or other drugs

With the rise in inhalant use among young people, starting a conversation with your children about nitrous oxide can be a positive step. Your Room has some useful information for parents and carers about nitrous oxide and how to start a conversation with your children. 

Getting help or advice 

If you believe drugs are impacting your child's learning, relationships, or physical safety, seek professional support as soon as possible. The following organisations offer free and confidential advice: 

For free and confidential advice 24/7 call Family Drug Support on 1300 368 186 or Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015. This hotline provides confidential support for people struggling with addiction. You can call the Alcohol Drug Information Service (ADIS) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or start a Web Chat with an ADIS counselor online Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 5pm.