The latest annual report from the National Poisons Information Service (NPIS) shows a marked increase in activity related to nitrous oxide and ketamine.
The report shows an increase of approximately 175% in all forms of NPIS activity linked to nitrous oxide and an increase of approximately 25% in activity linked to ketamine since last year’s report. This data is consistent with other reports showing an increase in usage of these substances in the UK.
Poisoning is an important public health issue in the UK, accounting for over 380,000 hospital presentations in
2019-2020, in England alone, and many more consultations with primary care and NHS patient advice services such as NHS 111.
‘The NPIS annual report serves as a comprehensive statement of NPIS’s activities, emphasising its pivotal role in managing poisoning cases, offering expert advice, and contributing to public health efforts,’ said Professor Raquel Duarte-Davidson, Radiation, Chemicals and Environmental Hazards Directorate, UKHSA.
‘The rise in nitrous oxide and ketamine-related activities underscores the need for targeted interventions to protect public health and prevent further harm.’
The majority of episodes of poisoning in adults are caused by drug overdose in the context of self-harm and drug misuse is also a significant cause of mortality. In children, accidental exposures are common, particularly involving substances found within the household. Most UK hospitals do not have specialist clinical toxicology services, therefore 24-hour access to expert advice concerning people with exposure to drugs and chemicals is essential for their safe and effective management.