Nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” has been linked to a growing number of deaths in the United States. The substance, often used recreationally, is now being sold in smoke shops and online, making it easily accessible to young people. Experts warn that this perfect storm of accessibility and marketing is fueling an addiction that can be deadly.
The case of Meg Caldwell, a 25-year-old horse rider from Florida, highlights the dangers of nitrous oxide misuse. She began using the gas recreationally in university eight years ago but escalated her use during the pandemic, eventually leading to a life-threatening overdose. Her family is now suing manufacturers and distributors, seeking to remove the product from retail sales.
The FDA has issued warnings about the dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide, citing an increase in reports of adverse events after misuse. However, some victims’ families feel that these warnings came too late. A 25-year-old woman was killed by a driver high on nitrous oxide last year, and her family is seeking justice.
Nitrous oxide manufacturers argue that the gas is intended for culinary use, but experts say that marketing efforts are misleading. The rise of vaping and online sales has made it easier for young people to access the substance, leading to a surge in misuse reports. Companies like Galaxy Gas are packaging nitrous oxide in colorful canisters with designs featuring characters from computer games and television series, making it appealing to young users.
As the number of deaths attributed to nitrous oxide poisonings rose by over 110% between 2019 and 2023, experts urge policymakers to take action. Possession of nitrous oxide is still legal in many states, but some have outlawed recreational use. Louisiana is the only state that has totally banned the retail sale of the gas.
The Partnership to End Addiction believes that changes in packaging and retail are behind the rise in misuse. “Even being called Galaxy Gas or Miami Magic is marketing,” says Pat Aussem. “If you have large canisters, then it means that more people can try it and use it and that can lead to a lot of peer pressure.”
As concerns about nitrous oxide misuse continue to grow, it’s clear that something needs to be done to protect young people from the dangers of this substance.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly36n88n56o