A rise in adverse event reports for teens inhaling nitrous oxide has spurred the FDA to warn consumers about the dangers of recreational use of the products.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways
- The FDA has issued a public health alert warning against inhaling or misusing nitrous oxide canisters sold under various brand names due to serious health risks.
- Inhalation of nitrous oxide can lead to severe health effects, including neurological damage, psychiatric disturbances, vitamin B12 deficiency, and even death.
- The FDA is monitoring reports of adverse events and urges consumers who have used these products to seek medical advice if concerned.
The FDA has issued a public health alert warning consumers not to inhale or recreationally use any flavor of nitrous oxide products being sold in canisters, tanks, or chargers in retail stores.
The products are marketed as both unflavored and flavored nitrous oxide canisters and are sold as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food use, the FDA says. According to the agency, intentional misuse or inhalation of contents can lead to serious adverse health events, including death.
In a March 14 notice issued by the FDA, the agency says it has observed an increase in reports of adverse events after inhalation of nitrous oxide products.
A September 2024 article from CNN reported the growing use of nitrous oxide cannisters as a means for youth to get high.
The FDA listed the following brand name examples, including, but not limited to:
- Baking Bad
- Cosmic Gas
- Galaxy Gas
- HOTWHIP
- InfusionMax
- MassGass
- Miami Magic
- Whip-it!
These products are being sold online and at retailers, including, but not limited to: Amazon.com, Ebay, Walmart, and at smoke/vape shops and gas stations, the FDA says.
The FDA warns that inhaling nitrous oxide can result in a range of symptoms and serious health problems, including:
- abnormal blood counts, asphyxiation, blood clots, frostbite, headache, impaired bowel and bladder function, lightheadedness, limb weakness, loss of consciousness, numbness, palpitations, paralysis, psychiatric disturbances (delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, depression), tingling, trouble walking, vitamin B12 deficiency, and in some cases, death.
For some individuals who regularly inhale nitrous oxide, this habit can lead to prolonged neurological effects, including spinal cord or brain damage, even after stopping use. The FDA warns consumers to contact their healthcare providers if you have recently used these products and are concerned about their health.
The FDA says it will continue tracking reports of adverse events resulting from the inhalation and misuse of nitrous oxide canisters and will take appropriate actions to protect the public’s health.
Image: Commonly available nitrous oxide cannisters and tanks. Credit: FDA.gov
