The FDA issued a warning regarding the non-medical inhalation of nitrous oxide, citing significant health risks, including neurological damage, thromboembolic events, and death.

Nitrous oxide, commonly used as an anesthetic and in industrial applications, is increasingly misused as a recreational inhalant due to its euphoric and dissociative effects. The FDA cautioned that misuse—via canisters, tanks, or chargers—can lead to hypoxia, methemoglobinemia, neurotoxicity, psychiatric disturbances, and long-term spinal cord damage from vitamin B12 inactivation.

It is available in compact, affordable cartridges that are easily accessible and sold under various brand names, including Galaxy Gas, Baking Bad, and Miami Magic.

The agency is monitoring reports of adverse events related to nitrous oxide inhalation and stated it may take regulatory action. While specific enforcement measures were not detailed, this follows global efforts to curb non-medical use. The UK banned recreational possession of nitrous oxide in 2023, citing public health concerns.