Galaxy Gas Lawsuit Filed Over Nitrous Oxide Addiction and Brain Injury Risks

Lawsuit alleges Galaxy Gas markets nitrous oxide canisters to teens, using sweet flavors and deceptive safety claims, which has caused widespread addiction and neurological injuries.

A Galaxy Gas class action lawsuit has been filed against the controversial manufacturer of nitrous oxide canisters, alleging that young adults and teens have suffered neurological damage and addiction after repeatedly using the flavored nitrous oxide products that are ostensibly a culinary tool, but actually widely marketed for recreational inhalation.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Jacob Iannotti in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on February 27, 2025, seeking to pursue damages on behalf of individuals nationwide who were misled into abusing Galaxy Gas nitrous oxide products. However, this week, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Galaxy Gas lawsuit.

Galaxy Gas canisters contain nitrous oxide, which is traditionally used medically and in food preparation. However, Iannotti alleges that defendants named in the lawsuit, including Galaxy Gas, SBK International and numerous unidentified distributors, actually designed and sold their flavored products for recreational inhalation.

Inhaling nitrous oxide has become increasingly popular among teens and young adults in recent years, since it can cause a brief high and euphoric effects, like anxiety reduction and hallucinations. As a result, the products are now widely found in vape shops and smoke shops throughout the U.S., often referred to as “laughing gas” or “whippits.”

However, inhaling Galaxy Gas and other nitrous oxide products is also highly addictive, and can cause a number of serious health problems, including dissociation, loss of coordination, nerve damage and even death. As a result, a growing number of families are now pursuing nitrous oxide lawsuits against Galaxy Gas and other companies, alleging that a desire for profits was placed before the health and safety of consumers.

FDA Warns Against Nitrous Oxide Inhalation

Iannotti’s complaint was filed just several weeks prior to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issuing a safety warning on March 14, 2025, cautioning consumers about the severe risks of inhaling nitrous oxide. The alert followed a surge in reports involving brain damage, paralysis, hallucinations and death linked to brands like Galaxy Gas.

The agency emphasized that despite being sold in culinary-style packaging, these products are frequently misused for their intoxicating effects, particularly by teens and young adults. The FDA urged consumers to seek medical attention if symptoms appear and to report adverse events.

According to the lawsuit filed by Iannotti, Galaxy Gas canisters are marketed in enticing flavors like “mango smoothie” and “vanilla cupcake,” with packaging designed to appeal to teens and young adults. Despite claims that the products are meant for culinary purposes, they are predominantly sold through smoke shops and websites alongside smoking paraphernalia.

Plaintiff Jacob Iannotti alleges he was drawn in by the product’s branding and widespread presence on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube. After repeated use, he developed a severe addiction and neurological issues attributed to inhaling nitrous oxide at high concentrations.

Iannotti claims he has suffered injuries including long-term vitamin B12 deficiency, subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, oxygen deprivation to the brain (cyanosis secondary to hypoxia), and other cognitive and behavioral impairments, conditions that can result in permanent neurological damage if left untreated.

The complaint also highlights how Galaxy Gas falsely promoted its products as “FDA approved,” which allegedly misled consumers into believing the gas was safe for inhalation.

In response to the lawsuit, Galaxy Gas filed a motion to dismiss (PDF) on April 23, asserting that Iannotti failed to allege any specific injuries traceable to Galaxy Gas or its affiliates, and did not distinguish between the actions of each named defendant. The filing claims the lawsuit relies on generalizations and lacks the required factual support, particularly for claims involving design defects, failure to warn, negligence and fraud. Defendants argue that the complaint should be dismissed with prejudice for failing to meet the pleading standards under federal law.

The case now awaits a ruling from the court on whether the claims will be allowed to proceed, or if they will be dismissed before discovery begins.

The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction to stop the sale of flavored nitrous oxide canisters marketed toward youth. Plaintiffs argue that the products were specifically designed to be addictive and dangerous while being disguised as harmless kitchen tools.

April 2025 Galaxy Gas Lawsuit Update

Amid growing concerns over the safety and marketing of flavored nitrous oxide products, lawsuits are now being reviewed for individuals who developed addiction or neurological injuries after using Galaxy Gas.

The nitrous oxide lawsuits allege that Galaxy Gas canisters and similar products are widely marketed through smoke shops and online retailers, featuring flavors and packaging that is designed to appeal to teens and young adults. Despite the serious health risks, the lawsuits claim that manufacturers made deceptive statements about their products and failed to provide adequate warnings.

Nitrous oxide lawyers currently provide free consultations and case evaluations for individuals throughout the U.S. who may qualify for financial compensation through a Galaxy Gas lawsuit, including individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Used Galaxy Gas or other flavored nitrous oxide canisters purchased at vape or smoke shops
• Regularly inhaled the product for recreational purposes
• Developed addiction to nitrous oxide
• Suffered neurological injuries such as:
  • Nerve damage
  • Brain damage
  • Paralysis
  • Cognitive impairment
• Lost a loved one due to complications from nitrous oxide inhalation

Galaxy Gas lawyers pursue all claims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there are no fees or expenses unless a settlement or recovery is obtained.