Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public advisory about the danger of inhaling nitrous oxide (N2O). The advisory comes in response to a growing rise in recreational abuse and number of class action lawsuits targeting N2O manufacturers - as more and more people are becoming addicted to this product known to cause possible nerve damage, paralysis, or even death.
Nitrous Oxide is often referred to as laughing gas, used by dentists for pain relief during dental procedures. But, there's also a dark side to N2O with young people using it for a quick high - some even becoming addicted. "Whippets" is another name for this legally-sold gas. Health officials say N2O use is putting more and more young people at risk as many are following viral trends on social media of teens filming themselves as they inhale from large canisters with names like Galaxy Gas.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of deaths attributed to nitrous oxide poisoning has risen more than 110% over a five-year period. Georgia Poison Center shared that nitrous oxide calls rose from 3 in 2019 to 22 last year. Many patients are being seen in emergency rooms after having experienced black outs and unconsciousness. Chronic use of nitrous oxide robs the brain and heart of oxygen - leading to heart conditions, blood clots, even temporary paralysis. Regular inhalation can lead to prolonged neurological effects, including spinal cord or brain damage, even after stopping use.
In June, the FDA advised consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide products from canisters, tanks, or chargers. These products are marketed as both unflavored and flavored nitrous oxide canisters and are sold as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary use. Intentional misuse or inhalation of contents can lead to serious adverse health events, even death. Products may be sold under the following brand names, including but not limited to: Baking Bad, Cloud 9ine, Cosmic Gas, Euro Gas, ExoticWhip, FastGas, Galaxy Gas, Goo Stocks, HOTWHIP, InfusionMax, MassGass, Miami Magic, Monster Gas, NITROX, Whip-It!
Learn more about Whippets and Nitrous Oxide Abuse:
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