contents
Basel-Stadt calls on the federal government to act. The trigger is a fatal car accident on the A2.
The accident on the A2 near Arisdorf BL in November moved beyond the canton’s borders: young people filmed themselves consuming nitrous oxide in their cars. A little later, the driver lost control of his car and crashed into the guardrail.
Four occupants were seriously injured in the accident, and an 18-year-old died. The driver is also said to have inhaled nitrous oxide and, it is believed, briefly lost consciousness. For this reason, the Basel-based public prosecutor’s office is investigating the driver, among other things on suspicion of negligent homicide.
Legend:
Five A-Juniors from FC Pratteln sat in this wrecked car. One died in the accident.
zvg, Baselland police
Two calls for a ban on nitrous oxide as a party drug are now coming from Basel. The canton of Basel-Stadt, for example, is putting pressure on the federal government. “We contacted the Federal Office of Public Health and requested that a clear regulation be included in federal law,” says Anne Tschudin, spokeswoman for the Basel health department.
We have applied for a clear regulation to be included in federal law.
In addition to the intervention of the health authorities, SVP politician Joël Thüring will soon submit an application to the Great Council that Basel-Stadt should submit a cantonal initiative. The aim of this is for the federal parliament to legally ban nitrous oxide as a party drug. “A solution is needed at the federal level. I would therefore like such a ban to be anchored in the Narcotics Act.”
A federal solution is needed. I would therefore like such a ban to be enshrined in the Narcotics Act.
Laughing gas as a party drug is widespread among young people in Basel. Various bars and clubs sell balloons filled with nitrous oxide for five francs each. After the accident in Arisdorf, the Basel health authorities also checked five bars and clubs to see whether they were trading nitrous oxide illegally. Three bars were fined for not having the license needed to sell nitrous oxide.
“We classify nitrous oxide as highly dangerous because of the intoxication that occurs shortly after inhalation. And depending on the amount, you can also be put out of action, »says Anne Tschudin. It can also damage the nervous system.
No evidence of wider distribution
In Switzerland, the use of nitrous oxide is regulated in the Chemicals Ordinance. A stricter regulation at the federal level is not planned, says Adrian Gschwend from the Federal Office of Public Health – despite the advances from Basel. This is because nitrous oxide is currently not a national problem. “There are no indications that this is a phenomenon that is occurring in large numbers, except in Basel,” says Gschwend. In addition, the health risks of nitrous oxide are not particularly high compared to other substances.
Furthermore, categorizing nitrous oxide as a narcotic would also have an impact on the economy. “Laughing gas is widely used, including as an anesthetic or in food technology. A ban would restrict use too much,” says Gschwend.
In the canton of Basel-Stadt, controls in bars and clubs have been intensified in recent weeks – in an attempt to curb the sale and consumption of nitrous oxide.