The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a public warning on March 14, 2025, alerting consumers about a concerning rise in injuries linked to the recreational misuse of nitrous oxide products, commonly known as laughing gas. The agency has observed an increase in reports of adverse events following inhalation of these products, which are being sold in colorful, flavored canisters at gas stations, vape shops, and online retailers.
Growing Market for Recreational Nitrous Oxide
These nitrous oxide products are marketed under various brand names including Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas, MassGass, Baking Bad, HOTWHIP, InfusionMax, Miami Magic, and Whip-it!. The products are sold online through major retailers like Amazon.com, eBay, and Walmart, as well as at smoke shops, vape shops, and gas stations across the country.
While manufacturers claim their products are "for culinary use only" as food processing propellants for whipped cream, videos of people inhaling them for recreational purposes have circulated on social media for years. The FDA's warning comes as poison control centers have received more emergency calls from people collapsing after using these products.
Serious Health Risks and Complications
According to the FDA, inhaling nitrous oxide can result in a wide range of serious health problems. The agency warns that the practice can cause dangerously low blood pressure, leading to fainting and injuries. Nitrous oxide can briefly cut off oxygen to the brain, which can be extremely dangerous.
The FDA has documented numerous adverse effects from nitrous oxide inhalation, including abnormal blood counts, asphyxiation, blood clots, frostbite, headache, impaired bowel and bladder function, lightheadedness, limb weakness, loss of consciousness, numbness, palpitations, and paralysis. Users may also experience psychiatric disturbances such as delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and depression, along with tingling, trouble walking, and vitamin B12 deficiency.
In severe cases, nitrous oxide misuse can result in death. For individuals who regularly inhale nitrous oxide, the habit can lead to prolonged neurological effects, including spinal cord or brain damage that may persist even after stopping use.
Regulatory Challenges and Public Health Response
Currently, no federal laws restrict the sale of nitrous oxide, though some states have implemented age limits. The FDA regulates nitrous oxide as a medical product when used by healthcare providers, but its oversight of culinary-marketed versions remains unclear.
The FDA's statement emphasized the severity of the situation: "The FDA advises consumers to not misuse or inhale nitrous oxide products. These products can result in serious adverse health effects, including death, when inhaled."
The agency recommends that individuals who have recently used these products and are concerned about their health should contact their healthcare providers immediately. The FDA continues to track reports of adverse events resulting from the inhalation and misuse of nitrous oxide canisters and has committed to taking appropriate actions to protect public health.
