Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas or whippets, is increasingly linked to a rise in fatal overdoses across the United States. While traditionally used as a safe sedative in medical and culinary settings, recent research shows recreational misuse of the gas has caused a dramatic spike in deaths over the past decade and a half. A study published this week in JAMA Network Open reveals that annual nitrous oxide-related fatalities grew by roughly 500% between 2010 and 2023. Although the total number of deaths remains relatively low, the rapid increase signals a growing public health concern.
Experts warn that recreational use often through whipped cream chargers marketed online—poses serious risks, including oxygen deprivation and nerve damage. The findings call for enhanced awareness, education, and national surveillance to curb this emerging crisis.
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Dramatic Increase in Nitrous Oxide-Related Fatalities
A new study published this week in JAMA Network Open reports that annual deaths from nitrous oxide poisoning in the United States have surged by approximately 500% over the past decade and a half. Researchers from the University of Mississippi and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign analyzed mortality data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), revealing an increase from 23 deaths in 2010 to 156 in 2023 among individuals aged 15 to 74.
While the overall number of fatalities remains relatively low, this sharp upward trend underscores a growing problem linked to the recreational misuse of nitrous oxide.
What Is Nitrous Oxide and How Is It Misused?
Nitrous oxide is widely used as a sedative and anesthetic in medical procedures, including dental treatments. It also serves as a propellant in culinary products, such as whipped cream canisters. Recreational users often inhale nitrous oxide from these whipped cream chargers—popularly known as “whippets” or “whippits”—to experience short-lived euphoric effects.
Though its effects are typically brief, misuse can lead to serious health consequences, including oxygen deprivation, low blood pressure, seizures, and heart attacks. Chronic use may cause vitamin B-12 depletion, resulting in paralysis and permanent neurological damage.
The Rising Popularity and Risks of Recreational Use
According to the latest National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 13 million Americans have tried nitrous oxide recreationally. The increasing availability of consumer nitrous oxide products marketed under names like “Galaxy Gas” and their promotion on social media platforms such as TikTok have contributed to a surge in recreational use.
Despite recent efforts by social media companies to curb viral nitrous oxide challenges, some teens continue to access these posts, potentially fueling further misuse.
Calls for Enhanced Education and Surveillance
Researchers emphasize the need for nationwide surveillance and stronger prevention efforts to address this growing health threat. “This is not local to one area; it’s everywhere,” said Andrew Yockey, assistant professor of public health at the University of Mississippi. “The numbers are still small right now, but they’re growing—and growing fast.”
In response to rising adverse events, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning in March 2025 advising against recreational use of nitrous oxide products. The warning was updated in June to include additional brands of concern.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is nitrous oxide?
Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is a colorless gas used medically as a sedative and anesthetic. It’s also used in whipped cream canisters as a propellant.
Why do people use nitrous oxide recreationally?
Recreational users inhale nitrous oxide to experience brief euphoria and lightheadedness. It’s often obtained from whipped cream chargers, called “whippets” or “whippits.”
Is recreational use of nitrous oxide dangerous?
Yes. Misuse can cause oxygen deprivation, seizures, heart problems, and vitamin B-12 deficiency, which may lead to paralysis and permanent nerve damage.
How common is nitrous oxide misuse in the U.S.?
Over 13 million Americans have used nitrous oxide recreationally at least once, with a growing number of related deaths reported in recent years.
What is being done to address this issue?
Health experts urge increased public education, surveillance, and prevention efforts. The FDA has issued warnings against recreational use and monitors adverse events.
Conclusion
The sharp rise in nitrous oxide-related deaths in the United States highlights an urgent need for increased awareness and preventive action. While nitrous oxide remains a valuable tool in medical and culinary settings, its recreational misuse carries serious health risks that are often underestimated. Enhanced education, national surveillance, and regulatory efforts are critical to addressing this emerging public health challenge. By informing the public—especially young people—about the dangers of nitrous oxide abuse, and by monitoring usage trends closely, authorities can work to prevent further harm and save lives. The time to act is now, before this alarming trend escalates further.
