The FDA warned that the use of such products could lead to the possibility of serious side effects, including death.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned on March 14 that consumers should not use products containing nitrous oxide due to serious side effects that could include death.
Nitrous oxide, sometimes called “laughing gas,” “whippet,” or “galactic gas,” is colorless and odorless. For hundreds of years, some have used it in recreational purposes, but it has many medical, industrial and commercial purposes, such as being used as a propellant for whipped cream canisters.
It is available in compact cartridges that can be easily accessed and sold under a variety of brand names, such as Galaxy Gas, Baking Bad, Miami Magic, Hotwhip, InfusionMax, Massgass, Cosmic Gas, Whip-It, and more. Under federal law, nitrous oxide is not a planned drug, and possession is legal and not regulated by US drug enforcement agencies.
“These products are sold as both flavorless nitrous oxide cans and are sold as food processing propellants for whipped cream and cooking food use,” the warning states. “Deliberate misuse or inhalation of content can lead to serious health events, including death.”
Inhaling gas can cause serious side effects, including blood clots, frost bites, frost disorders, bladder disorders, loss of consciousness, numbness, heart movement pit, paralysis, asphyxiation, abnormal blood count, walks, paralysis, depression, hallucinations, delusions, and many other mental disorders.
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“For some people who regularly inhale nitrous oxide, this habit can lead to long-term neurological effects, including spinal cord and brain damage, even after they have stopped using it,” the FDA said. “If you have used these products recently and are concerned about your health, contact your health provider.”
Although the FDA did not take enforcement action, the agency noted that “reports of adverse events after inhalation of nitrous oxide products have been seen” and that if it continues to see reports of misuse of nitrous oxide, it can “take appropriate actions to protect the health of the public.”
The FDA also said nitrous oxide products are being sold at many retailers, including eBay, Amazon, Walmart, local smoke stores and gas stations.
In 2023, the UK banned the use and possession of nitrous oxide recreation, poses health risks and caused anti-social behavior among users.
“Double Scorpio has stopped all operations by the FDA following a search and seizure at our office. There is not much information to share, but we believe that the FDA has been acting similarly against other companies recently,” the company’s statement said.
The Epoch Times contacted the FDA for comments on Sunday’s Double Scorpio incident.
