FDA issues warning over misuse of laughing gas in colorful canisters

The United States (US) Food and Drug Administration Agency (FDA), on Friday March 14, 2025, warned against the misuse of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.

This warning comes with the reported increase in injuries from the abuse of the gas.

According to Associated Press News (APN), the health officials are tracking a rise in injuries tied to the misuse of nitrous oxide or laughing gas.

The brands that are sold in small canisters contains flavors like blueberry, strawberry and watermelon.

They stated that continuous use of this gas can lead to dangerous low blood pressure and loss of consciousness.

The health expert noted that teens and adults misuse these products to get high.

In a statement made by the agency on Friday, warned consumers that inhaling the gas for its euphoric effects can cause potential health hazards.

The agency proceeded to flag a number of products sold in colorful packaging at gas stations, vape shops and online including Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas and MassGass.

Nitrous gas is traditionally used as a sedative for patients in dental offices and hospitals.

It is also found in pressurized cans of whipped cream.

Teens and adults have long misused those products to get high.

The gas can briefly disrupt oxygen flow to the brain.

Companies selling the products cited by regulators advertise them for culinary use only and often include disclaimers on their websites warning against inhaling.

The agency frowned at videos of young people using the products recreationally circulated on social media platforms for years.

The FDA said there is an increase in reports of adverse events with nitrous products.

The poison control centre have also reported emergency calls from people who had to be rushed to the hospital after collapsing while misusing the products.

There are no federal limits on who can purchase nitrous oxide, although some states have passed minimum age requirements.

The FDA regulates the gas as a medical product when used by doctors and dentists, although it’s unclear how much oversight it would have of products marketed for culinary use.

Laughing Gas: Versatile, Vital, and Risky

Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is a gas that smells a little sweet.

A man named Joseph Priestley made it first way back in 1772 for fun.

Humphry Davy learned it makes people laugh in the 1790s, which was cool.

Long ago, in the 1800s, people had parties just to try laughing gas.

Presently, dentists give nitrous oxide with oxygen to help people relax during visits.

People who cook use nitrous oxide to push whipped cream out of cans.

It is claimed that car racers add it to engines to make them go really fast.

Some folks breathe it in to feel happy or silly for a while.

Medical experts said it changes how your brain feels, when taken.

A little bit makes you feel light or like laughing out loud sometimes.

Over dose of this substance can make you feel far away or even fall asleep quick.

Breathing only nitrous oxide without oxygen is dangerous and can lead health risks.

Adding that abuse of this substance can disrupt vitamins function in the body.

Doctors say it’s safe with them, but not safe to use alone anywhere.

Laughing gas can be helpful or risky, depending on how it’s used now.

People need to know about it because it’s both good and tricky stuff.

This gas is small but can be helpful or harmful.

From teeth fixes to fast cars, laughing gas keeps popping up around us.

Health experts warned.

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