Understanding Nitrous Oxide Use and its Impact
The misuse of nitrous oxide, colloquially known as “Whippets” or “Whip-its,” has grown rapidly over the past decades, with one survey referenced by ScienceDaily finding that more than 13 million Americans had recreationally used the inhalant in their lifetime. The inexpensive nature of nitrous oxide, its accessibility for purchase through major digital shopping platforms, local smoke shops, and gas stations, and its appeal to youth through fruity flavors, colorful packaging, and trending social media videos warrant increased concern due to the ultimate health risks it poses to individuals and others.
- The FDA released a warning in March of 2025 urging consumers not to inhale or recreationally use flavored or unflavored nitrous oxide as use can result in serious side effects, including death.
- Although the search has since been banned on TikTok, the Cleveland Clinic shared in an article that recent concern had grown over teen usage in regard to nitrous oxide as young adults were sharing their use of “Galaxy Gas,” flavored and brightly colored designer cans of nitrous oxide on the video platform.
- In a CBS News release, a Maryland pharmacist correlated the TikTok and social media trend of nitrous oxide misuse among teens to a possible uptrend in young adult deaths from using the inhalant. In 2024 alone, 156 minors died after inhaling nitrous oxide found in canisters.
- According to a research letter shared by the JamaNetwork between 2010 and 2023, nitrous oxide related deaths increased significantly. The uptick matches increasing recreational use, particularly within children and young adults.
- A research paper shared by the National Library of Medicine provided insight into some of the physical and cognitive impacts regular use of nitrous oxide might have on an individual. They found that chronic users may experience serious health consequences such as nerve damage, spinal damage, muscle weakness, paralysis, anxiety, depression, and delirium. The paper also states that in some cases, dependence may develop over time and become difficult to maintain.
- The impact of accessibility and increased use of nitrous oxide has been felt globally. As shared in a report published by Lancet Public Health nitrous oxide was found to have contributed to at least 1800 road traffic incidents over the course of a 3 year period in the Netherlands, 63 of which resulting in fatalities.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide has two common uses. In the medical field, it is widely known as laughing gas and is used as a sedative. By bakers, both professional and home cooks, it is used to aerate liquids such as whipped cream, creating a light and fluffy texture.
When nitrous oxide is used outside of its dedicated intentions and for recreational properties, it is referred to as an inhalant. When inhaled to experience a “high,” it suppresses the central nervous system, arriving at the brain in seconds. It lowers the brain’s oxygen levels and pain signals while temporarily releasing dopamine, leaving the individuals using the inhalant at risk of oxygen deprivation, and other fatal incidents.
Nitrous Oxide Injuries We are Investigating
Nitrous oxide has been found to contribute to the following life-threatening injuries:
- Hospitalization due to neurological impairment
- Caused harm to others while under the influence
- Irreversible brain injuries
- Driving Impairment
- Heart Attack
- Psychosis
- Nerve Damage
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
What Nitrous Oxide Brands are We Investigating?
Johnson//Becker is investigating nitrous oxide complications associated with the use of these popular brands that were purchased through major retailers such as Amazon:
- Galaxy Gas
- SBK International
- AmazWhip
- Baking Bad
- Best Whip
- Cloud 9ine
- Cosmic Gas
- Cream Right
- Creme Max
- Euro Gas
- ExoticWhip
- Erotica
- FastGas
- Gold Whip
- GooSticks/Goo
- Great Whip
- HOTWHIP
- InfusionMax
- Infuzed
- Looper Whips
- King Whip
- Marz
- MassGass
- Miami Magic
- Monster Gas
- NITROX
- NOS
- PrimeWhip
- Rotass
- Space Gas
- Sparkling Whip
- Special Blue
- Whip-It
Do I Qualify to Participate in a Nitrous Oxide Lawsuit?
We are investigating claims for individuals and/or their loved ones who used nitrous oxide and may have experienced:
- Hospitalization due to neurological impairment
- Caused harm to others while under the influence
- Irreversible brain injuries
- Heart Attack
- Paralysis
- Coma
- Death
If you believe you may be struggling with addiction, we recommend reaching out to the substance abuse and mental health services administration (SAMHSA) hotline:
Why Choose Johnson//Becker for Your Nitrous Oxide Lawsuit?
Johnson//Becker is dedicated to serving you or your family with care, compassion, and commitment. Our lawyers have significant legal qualifications and over two decades of experience to best represent your interests in matters of injury due to dangerous consumer products.
Learn More: Why Choose Us
Questions About a Nitrous Oxide Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you or a loved one were injured or adversely affected by the harms associated with nitrous oxide use, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are currently accepting nitrous oxide lawsuits nationwide, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.
We offer a Free Case Evaluation. Please contact us using the form below or by calling us at (800) 279-6386.
We would be honored to speak with you and respond promptly to every inquiry we receive.
Free Case Evaluation
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (800) 279-6386.
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