You’ve likely inhaled this substance before. Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas or Galaxy Gas comes as a peculiar substance to most It’s the same substance dentists use to sedate and calm patients; but recently, it has taken on a whole other use.
For decades, people have sought a high through inhaling nitrous oxide from canisters. A Georgia based vendor, Galaxy Gas, sells cans of Nitrous Oxide primarily intended to make whipped cream; however, an increasing number of consumers started inhaling it rather than using it for its intended purpose. People online have posted themselves inhaling the product, which has sparked a new wave of concern regarding nitrous oxide consumption.
N2O, more commonly known online as Whippets or Galaxy Gas, has surged in recent months. As early as 2021, New York recognized N2Oas a threat and banned its sale to individuals under the age of 21.
N2O undoubtedly poses a health risk on the youth. According to the Center for Disease Control, inhaling N2O immediately causes coughs and nausea. Even with minimal exposure, N2O can cause permanent damage to the lungs. Prolonged abuse of N2O can be fatal due to severe lung injury.
Currently, there are no immediate cures for injuries acquired through abusing N2O. However, one supported measure posed by the CDC suggests administering oxygen to facilitate breathing.
Many individuals have turned to N2O to achieve a high. As reported by the U.S. government’s Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 13.9 million Americans— 4.9% of the population— have in some way used N2O to get high. According to an article published by The Guardian, this makes Galaxy Gas the second most used drug among teenagers, only being beaten by marijuana in first place.
What alarms many is how easy it is for minors to acquire N2O. While recent legislation sought to regulate its sale,, the California penal code states how it is illegal to purchase nitrous oxide with the intent to inhale it. Doing so is punishable by 6 months jail time and a maximum $1000 fine.
However, purchasing N2O for business-related purposes is completely fine, and not something that is illegal anywhere in the United States. This loophole allows many minors to get into contact with the harmful substance
Companies that sell refillable N2O cartridges specifically state that their products are not meant for inhalation purposes. Galaxy Gas’s website opens up with the warning message, “Products containing nitrous oxide are sold solely as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food use only.” Despite this, they sell a wide assortment of products that ostensibly seem less useful for cooking and more for personal use.
As nitrous oxide reemerges in pop culture, there is a significant risk of increased usage across the US, similar to trends of other substances such as vapes. Promoting awareness of the potential dangers associated with this gas as the 5% of Americans using nitrous oxide today are at stake. This population could rise significantly if left unchallenged, so it’s up to parents and students alike to help anyone who might be using nitrous oxide.
