Things are turning deadly.
Health officials are raising concerns about an increase in injuries caused by the misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas. While it is medically used as a sedative and found in whipped cream cans, the gas is now being sold in small, flavored canisters under names like Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas, and MassGass.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning on Friday, cautioning that inhaling nitrous oxide for recreational use can result in dangerously low blood pressure, which may cause fainting and lead to injuries. These products, often sold in bright, colorful packaging, are easily found at gas stations, vape shops, and online retailers.
Nitrous oxide can briefly deprive the brain of oxygen, which poses serious health risks. Despite manufacturers labeling the products as “for culinary use only,” videos of people using them to get high have circulated on social media for years.
The FDA has noticed a rise in reports of health problems tied to nitrous oxide misuse, and poison control centers have received more emergency calls regarding individuals collapsing after using it. The agency advises consumers against inhaling nitrous oxide, emphasizing that misuse can result in severe health consequences, including death.
While no federal laws currently regulate the sale of nitrous oxide, some states have implemented age restrictions. The FDA oversees its use in medical settings, but its regulation of culinary versions remains uncertain.
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