FDA Advises Consumers Not to Inhale Nitrous Oxide Products
Due to potential for severe adverse events if used for recreational/non-food purposes.
Products
FDA advises consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide products from any size canisters, tanks, or chargers.
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. Intentional misuse or inhalation of contents can lead to serious adverse health events, including death.
Symptoms of Adverse Health Events
Inhaling nitrous oxide can result in a range of symptoms and serious health problems, from abnormal blood counts, asphyxiation, blood clots, frostbite, headache, impaired bowel and bladder function, lightheadedness, limb weakness, loss of consciousness, numbness, palpitations, paralysis, psychiatric disturbances (delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, depression), tingling, trouble walking, vitamin B12 deficiency, and in some cases, death. For some individuals who regularly inhale nitrous oxide, this habit can lead to prolonged neurological effects, including spinal cord or brain damage, even after stopping use.
Stores Affected
These products are being sold online and at retailers, including, but not limited to: Amazon.com, Ebay, Walmart, and at smoke/vape shops and gas stations.
Recommendation for Consumers
- 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.
- Contact your health care providers if you have recently used these products and are concerned about your health.
Current Update
March 14, 2025
The FDA is warning consumers not to inhale or recreationally use any flavor of nitrous oxide in any size canister, tank, or charger. When inhaled, these products can result in serious adverse health effects, including death.
These products are sold under multiple brand names including, but not limited to:
- Baking Bad
- Cosmic Gas
- Galaxy Gas
- HOTWHIP
- InfusionMax
- MassGass
- Miami Magic
- Whip-it!
The FDA has observed an increase in reports of adverse events after inhalation of nitrous oxide products. Similar reports also have been published by news outlets. The FDA will continue tracking reports of adverse events resulting from the inhalation and misuse of nitrous oxide canisters and will take appropriate actions to protect the public’s health.
Example Product Images
Who to Contact
Consumers who have symptoms should contact their health care provider to report their symptoms and receive care.
To report a complaint or adverse event (illness or serious allergic reaction),
visit Industry and Consumer Assistance.
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