March 14 (UPI) -- Inhaling commercially available nitrous oxide canisters, commonly known as laughing gas, could lead to serious harm or death, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said in a warning issued Friday.
Canisters are sold legally in major retail stores, smaller vape stores and online, the FDA said in the advisory.
The gas, which is colorless, odorless and non-flammable, is a sedative and analgesic medication used in dentistry, surgery and obstetrics.
But recreational use of nitrous oxide as a party drug has long been prevalent.
And whipped cream charger products have drawn younger users.
The products are sold under these brands: Baking Bad, Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas, HOTWHIP, InfusionMax, MassGass, Miami Magic, Whipit.
The nitrous oxide canisters or charges come in a variety of sizes.
"These products are marketed as both unflavored and flavored nitrous oxide canisters and are sold as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food use," the FDSA said.
The agency is warning against recreational use.
"Intentional misuse or inhalation of contents can lead to serious adverse health events, including death," the FDA statement reads.
"The FDA advises consumers to not misuse or inhale nitrous oxide products. These products can result in serious adverse health effects, including death, when inhaled."
The nitrous oxide cartridges have been sold at Amazon.com, Ebay and Walmart.
The FDA said it has seen an increase in cases of people consuming the nitrous oxide, which can lead to several health problems.
Abnormal blood counts, loss of consciousness, paralysis and psychiatric disturbances including delusions, hallucinations and paranoia are among the more serious ailments described by the FDA.
Regular users may experience "prolonged neurological effects, including spinal cord or brain damage," the FDA said.
The New York Times reported that experimentation with the product has developed into a popular subgenre on social media. In videos posted on TikTok, X and YouTube, teenagers are inhaling the gas from tubelike canisters of flavors like strawberry cream, tropical punch and vanilla cupcake.
"Teens are especially vulnerable to these dangers, as their brains are still developing, making them more susceptible to the harmful effects of nitrous oxide," the Addicton Center said on its website. "Moreover, the ease of access to whipped cream canisters at home or in stores contributes to the rising trend, increasing the potential for abuse."
More than 13 million Americans have misused nitrous oxide in their lifetimes, according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
Some U.S. states have laws banning the intentional misuse and even possession of the product.
Britain outlaws recreational use and possession of nitrous oxide in 2023.
Galaxy Gas brand website has a disclaimer that says: "It is illegal to purposely inhale our product. ... WE DO NOT CONDONE ILLEGAL USE OF OUR PRODUCTS. You must be over the age of 21 to view/order from this website. WARNING if used improperly or in ways not intended to be used such as inhaling, it can lead to hypoxia."
