The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) cautioned the public against the unauthorized use of nitrous oxide (N2O) outside its prescribed purpose as it may cause adverse effects on a person’s body. “Nitrous oxide (N2O), also called dinitrogen monoxide, laughing gas or nitrous is a chemical compound. It is termed oxide because oxygen is in combination with only one element,’’ the DDB said in a statement. “In the event that there is any initiative from the stakeholders to include nitrous oxide among the list of chemicals and substances subject to prohibition, regulation or control by the government, the Dangerous Drugs Board will take the appropriate action pursuant to its power to reclassify, add to or remove from the list of dangerous drugs under the Republic Act No. 9165,’’ it added. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also classified nitrous oxide as a prescribed medication and it is not classified or listed as a controlled or illegal substance under the Republic Act No. 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and following the UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs wherein the Philippines is a signatory. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on the other hand, as the implementing arm of the DDB, also echoed the call with regard to the unauthorized use of nitrous oxide. “PDEA will not fail to fulfill its mandate to undertake the enforcement of the provisions of Republic Act No. 9165 relative to the unlawful acts and penalties involving any dangerous drug and/or controlled precursor and essential chemical as well as the provisions of Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1619.’’ Promulgated on July 23, 1079, PD No. 1619 penalizes the use or possession or the unauthorized sale to minors of volatile substances for the purpose of inducing intoxication or in any manner changing, distorting or distributing the auditory, visual or mental process.’’ “Therefore, the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) would like to assure every Filipino that they remain steadfast in their mandate and campaign for “Drug-Free Communities,” DDB and PDEA asserted.