Nitrous Oxide Overdose Deaths Claimed 1,240 Lives Between 2010 and 2023: Report

Inhalation of nitrous oxide canisters, often referred to as “whippets,” has been linked to brain damage, paralysis and death risks.

Amid a growing national crisis of nitrous oxide overdoses and abuse, a new study indicates that there has been a five-fold increase in deaths linked to recreational use of flavored whippets among teens and young adults over the past 15 years.

According to a research letter published in JAMA Network Open on July 30, more than 13 million consumers in the U.S. say they have inhaled nitrous oxide at least once in their lifetime, despite serious health risks, such as oxygen deprivation, neurological damage and death. Those numbers, and emergency room visits due to nitrous oxide overdose, are increasing, researchers say.

Nitrous oxide, frequently referred to as laughing gas or whippets, is most commonly used in medical settings for anesthesia and food preparation. However, inhaling the gas can cause a brief euphoric high, which has led to widespread recreational use of nitrous oxide canisters, which are sold in vape shops and convenience stores. They are often marketed with colorful packaging and candy-like flavors that some say are meant to entice young users.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a nitrous oxide overdose warning in March, raising concerns about increasing reports of serious side effects, including frostbite, brain damage, paralysis, hallucinations and deaths.

As a result of these findings, manufacturers and distributors of the canisters face an increasing number of nitrous oxide lawsuits filed by individuals who say the products are being irresponsibly marketed to teens and young adults for recreational use, despite the health risks.

This new cohort study was conducted by Drs. Andrew Yockey of the University of Mississippi, and Rachel A. Hooper of the University of Illinois, who looked at death certificate data from 2010 to 2023, and analyzed the annual number of deaths linked to nitrous oxide.

“This is not local to one area; it’s everywhere. And it absolutely deserves national surveillance. The numbers are still small right now, but they’re growing and they’re growing fast.”

-Andrew Yockey, University of Mississippi press release

According to the findings, nitrous oxide overdose deaths jumped from 23 in 2010, to 156 deaths in 2023, a 578% increase over 14 years. This raised the incident rate from 0.01 deaths per 100,000 people in 2010, to 0.0622 deaths per 100,000 people. The researchers indicated the highest increases appeared to occur between 2010 and 2018, but the numbers have continued to rise.

Yockey and Hooper concluded that the rise in nitrous oxide use was notable through 2018, but leveled off between 2019 and 2023, with the trend appearing to reflect increased recreational use, especially among adolescents and young adults, potentially driven by greater accessibility and affordability. Although those factors were not directly examined in the study.

The researchers warned that the findings highlight a growing health risk and called for more public concern, enhanced surveillance and prevention.

Nitrous Oxide Overdose Lawsuits

The findings of this latest study come amid growing awareness about nitrous oxide overdose problems that have plagued many communities throughout the U.S., and increasing litigation from those who have suffered severe injuries or lost loved ones due to nitrous oxide inhalation.

According to the lawsuits, these products are widely sold through smoke shops, gas stations and online retailers, often under brand names like Baking Bad, Cosmic Gas, Galaxy Gas, HOTWHIP, InfusionMax, MassGass, Miami Magic and Whip-it! Many feature colorful packaging, sweet flavors and accessories that appeal to teens and young adults.

Despite the known health risks, plaintiffs allege that manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings and used deceptive marketing tactics to promote the canisters as safe or harmless. The lawsuits seek to hold companies accountable for placing profits over public safety.

Nitrous oxide injury and wrongful death lawyers are currently offering free consultations to individuals and families nationwide who may be eligible for compensation through a nitrous oxide injury lawsuit.