Overview
- The foundation published IPSOS data from a June 6–13 online survey of 2,256 people representative of ages 16 to 75 in France.
- About one in ten people under 35 report recreational use of nitrous oxide, and roughly half of those say they have used it while driving.
- Risk perception remains low among some youths, with 10% of 16–24‑year‑olds saying driving after inhalation is not dangerous and 11% deeming it safe to ride with such a driver.
- Medical commentary cited by the foundation describes a brief euphoric effect of about one minute followed by lingering impairment comparable to alcohol or cannabis, with potential severe neurological and vascular complications.
- The foundation reports a rise in crashes it considers attributable to the gas, which is still sold legally as lawmakers propose tighter sales rules and victims urge making consumption while driving an aggravating factor.