Candor Educación para la Salud Noxious Nos: Tendencias en el uso recreativo del óxido nitroso por los jóvenes

Noxious Nos: Tendencias en el uso recreativo del óxido nitroso por los jóvenes

The “whippets” of 90s party culture are making a comeback and today’s young people’s exposure is being driven by social media.

Slang terms for nitrous oxide such as “noxious nos,” “nangs,” “whippits,” “fishing out,” “buzz bombs” refer to either the mode of usage or the neurological symptoms it causes (6). The manufacturing and marketing of one particularly popular brand, Gas Galaxia, uses brightly colored, seemingly innocuous messaging espousing “elevating culinary experiences” and “providing high-quality feel and taste” to entice customers (8).

Nitrous oxide causes the brain to release endorphins and dopamine. It is inexpensive and easily accessible. This combination makes it particularly popular with young people for the sudden and intense euphoria it elicits in its users. Young people’s use of nitrous oxide, as well as other psychoactive substances, is a growing health concern and is informing harm reduction program development and legislation worldwide.

The recreational use of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) or ‘laughing gas’ dates to the late 18th century (1). It was first used therapeutically in 1844 and today has many dental, pediatric, and obstetric uses (5). Outside its medical uses as a dissociative anesthesia, pain reliever, or sedative, nitrous oxide is used as a propellant by the food industry and as a “fuel booster” by race car enthusiasts. Flavored and unflavored canisters are readily sold online through Amazon, Walmart, etc. as well as in gas stations, grocery stores, automotive shops, and restaurant supply stores.

Nitrous oxide is not yet considered a controlled substance under federal law. However, states like California and Louisiana have passed legislation to regulate its sale and designate it a controlled substance (3). Prosecution is possible under the FDA’s Drug and Cosmetics Act which prohibits the intentional distribution and use of nitrous oxide for the purpose of getting ‘high’ (4). Many states have made its sale to minors illegal. Manhattan, a Chicago suburb in Will County, banned its sale entirely after an increase in nitrous oxide related overdoses and erratic driving incidences (3). Both Illinois and Michigan have introduced bills to limit sales statewide and to make unlawful possession and use a Class A misdemeanor, and after subsequent violation, a Class 4 felony (3).

Inhaling N2O causes dizziness, confusion and loss of motor skills. Someone experiencing these symptoms can make poor decisions or be unaware of their surroundings. Physical symptoms can range from neurological, psychoactive, and cardiovascular (1). Especially in people with underlying heart issues, changes to blood pressure and heart rate can cause a medical emergency in even infrequent users. Chronic use can cause B12 deficiency related anemia, memory loss and neuropathy (5). The greatest risks of nitrous oxide use are associated with depriving the brain of oxygen, which can lead to seizures, stroke, coma, brain injury, and death.

Being aware of growing trends, and how easily accessible substances like nitrous oxide are, is helpful to creating opportunities for conversations at home and in schools. Parenting advocates recommend talking openly and honestly about what it means to misuse and abuse substances, as well as the inherent dangers that come with this high-risk behavior. It is important for parents to know the signs of misuse and address changes in their children’s mood or behavior (4).

 

References:

  1. Gernez E, Lee GR, Niguet JP, Zerimech F, Bennis A, Grzych G. Nitrous Oxide Abuse: Clinical Outcomes, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, Toxicity and Impact on Metabolism. Toxics. 2023 Nov 28;11(12):962. doi: 10.3390/toxics11120962. PMID: 38133363; PMCID: PMC10747624
  2. Nitrous oxide Galaxy Gas: Kids are inhaling gas from products whipped cream chargers sold by the company Galaxy Gas to get high – ABC13 Houston
  3. Allan J, Cameron J, Bruno J. A Systematic Review of Recreational Nitrous Oxide Use: Implications for Policy, Service Delivery and Individuals. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 14;19(18):11567. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191811567. PMID: 36141850; PMCID: PMC9517250.
  4. What is Galaxy Gas and Why Is It Dangerous? (parents.com)
  5. De Halleux C, Juurlink DN. Diagnosis and management of toxicity associated with the recreational use of nitrous oxide. CMAJ. 2023 Aug 21;195(32):E1075-E1081. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.230196. PMID: 37604519; PMCID: PMC10442242.
  6. Slang for “nitrous oxide” (Related Terms) – Urban Thesaurus
  7. Nitrous Oxide Overdose: How Much is Too Much? | Zinnia Health
  8. Galaxy Gas-Culinary Solutions: A broader approach to gourmet infusions (shopgalaxygas.com)

  Written by: Helen Baker – Health Educator

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