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In the United States and the United Kingdom, the misuse of laughing gas is becoming a growing concern among parents, particularly as young people are increasingly turning to products like those offered by Galaxy Gas to achieve a quick high.
These products, specifically whipped cream chargers filled with nitrous oxide, are intended for culinary use but have gained notoriety for their misuse. As reported by CNN, this trend raises important questions about the health risks associated with nitrous oxide, especially for children and teenagers.
Galaxy Gas, based in Atlanta, produces whipped cream chargers designed for making desserts and beverages. However, when dispensed without food, these chargers release only nitrous oxide. Dr. Gail Saltz, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College, highlights that the misuse of nitrous oxide, often referred to as “doing whippets,” is not new but has been rapidly increasing in the United States and the United Kingdom. A 2018 study indicated a significant rise in usage among young people, with nitrous oxide use ranking second only to cannabis among 16- to 24-year-olds in Britain as of 2020. Additionally, the Netherlands has reported spikes in nitrous oxide usage linked to rising hospitalizations for neurological issues among youth.
Teenagers often face pressures such as curiosity, peer influence, and stress, which can lead them to experiment with substances. Social media, particularly platforms like TikTok, has made this exposure more widespread. While TikTok has begun to restrict content related to “Galaxy Gas,” many videos that bypass these restrictions continue to circulate.
Galaxy Gas has expressed concern about the misuse of its products, stating that its chargers are intended solely for responsible culinary use. The company has temporarily halted sales of its whipped cream chargers and emphasizes that misuse poses serious health risks. They encourage anyone misusing nitrous oxide to seek help through the Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Risks of Nitrous Oxide Misuse
Originally, nitrous oxide is used safely in medical settings, often combined with oxygen. However, inhaling pure nitrous oxide in quick bursts can displace oxygen, leading to severe health consequences, including loss of consciousness, heart attack, nausea, and even brain damage. Long-term misuse can lead to more serious conditions such as nerve damage and vitamin deficiencies.
Given these risks, parents need to engage in open, ongoing discussions with their children about substance misuse. Dr. Saltz advises starting conversations early, ideally before the tween years, rather than waiting until high school. Ask open-ended questions about what they’ve seen on social media or if their friends are using such substances.
