FDA Issues Warning Against Recreational Inhalation of Nitrous Oxide

MONDAY, March 17, 2025 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is cautioning consumers against the recreational use of any flavor of nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) from canisters, tanks, or chargers. Inhalation of these products can lead to serious health issues, including fatalities.

Nitrous oxide canisters, both flavored and unflavored, are being marketed as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and other culinary uses. The products are sold under various brand names including, Baking Bad, Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas, HOTWHIP, InfusionMax, MassGass, Whip-it!, and Miami Magic. They are available at online stores such as Amazon, Ebay, and Walmart, as well as at smoke/vape shops and gas stations.

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. Habitual nitrous oxide inhalation can lead to lasting neurological issues, such as spinal cord or brain damage, in certain individuals, even after they cease use.

Consumers are advised against misusing or inhaling nitrous oxide products, and to contact their health care provider if they have recently used these products and have health concerns.

“The FDA 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,” the agency said in an alert.

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