🔴 New nitrous oxide tanks conquer TikTok

🔴 Flavored Galaxy Gas is more tempting

🔴 Whippets have dangerous effects

Whippets are making a comeback as TikTok videos of teens using Galaxy Gas go viral.

The stainless steel containers contain nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Although it has useful uses, nitrous oxide has been abused for centuries for its recreational effects.

According to Dr. Bruce Ruck, executive director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, taking nitrous oxide causes drowsiness and dizziness.

“None of this is safe. People need to be educated in general. This is part of a group of substances called inhalant abuse,” Ruck said.

Flavored Galaxy Gas is more tempting

They are called whippets because the containers are used to refill cream dispensers.

Galaxy Gas sells nitrous oxide tanks online in a variety of sizes and flavors. The gas itself can be purchased in Blue Raspberry, Mango Smoothie, or Strawberry flavors.

“Spicing something can make it more acceptable. Of course, it won’t increase the high, but it might taste better, so someone might want to try it more often,” Dr. Ruck said.

New Jersey state law requires anyone who wants to purchase nitrous oxide for food preparation to be at least 19 years old and obtain a permit, but these flavored nitrous oxide canisters are available online at Walmart, Amazon, or the Galaxy Gas website without any inspection.

Whippets have dangerous effects

“Intentional misuse or inhalation of the contents is prohibited and poses a serious health risk,” the company says in a disclaimer on its website.

Any misuse of inhalants – be it gasoline, feather dusters or Galaxy Gas – can impair motor coordination. According to Ruck, people who consume nitrous oxide are at a higher risk of falling and hitting their heads.

Videos on TikTok, X and other social media sites show teenagers using Galaxy Gas. One video with tens of millions of views shows a student taking a hit in class and falling to the floor. (WARNING: Video contains foul language and drug use)

The New Jersey Poison Control Center receives about eight to 10 calls a year about nitrous oxide, but that’s probably far fewer than the number of people in New Jersey who abuse it, because there is no law requiring hospitals to report these incidents, even when they’re fatal.

Report a correction 👈 | 👉 Contact our newsroom