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UK government says it will ban so-called laughing gas or nitrous oxide. The idea is that the ban will reduce serious health risks and help clamp down on anti-social behaviour. But decision has been criticised by drug charities and even the government's independent advisory council says it shouldn't be prohibited. So how risky is laughing gas? How much of a problem is recreational use? And are there better options than a ban?

The UK government recently announced plans to make the possession of laughing gas for recreational use a criminal offence. Nitrous oxide, also known as “nos”, is hugely popular among young people, and doctors have raised concerns about a rise in cases of nerve damage linked to the use of the drug. Ian Sample speaks to science correspondent Nicola Davis about the reasons behind the ban, the risks associated with using nitrous oxide and what experts have made of the government’s decision. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod