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Business Standard
11-05-2025
- Health
- Business Standard
Use of laughing gas linked to brain damage, yet sold across US: Report
Deaths in the US attributed to abuse of nitrous oxide jumped more than 100% between 2019 and 2023; over a five-year period, emergency department visits rose 32% The Conversation The US Food and Drug Administration is warning Americans about the ever-increasing and potentially deadly recreational use of nitrous oxide products, particularly among young people. Marketed with names like 'Galaxy Gas' and 'Miami Magic,' and often sold in steel cartridges known as 'whippets,' these products are cheap and readily available at gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops and major retail outlets, including Walmart. They're also sold online. As an assistant professor of public health who studies these products, I'm aware of how dangerous they can be. Recreational and continued use of nitrous oxide can cause a wide range of serious health problems, and in some cases, death. A long list of potential harms The list of serious side effects from frequent use is long. It includes: cognitive impairment, memory problems, hallucinations, headaches, lightheadedness, mood disturbances, blood clots, limb weakness, trouble walking, peripheral neuropathy, impaired bowel or bladder function, spinal cord degeneration and irreversible brain damage. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is common and can lead to nerve and brain damage. Deaths in the US attributed to abuse of nitrous oxide jumped more than 100 per cent between 2019 and 2023; over a five-year period, emergency department visits rose 32 per cent. All told, more than 13 million Americans have misused nitrous oxide at least once during their lifetimes. This includes children: In 2024, just over 4 per cent of eighth graders and about 2 per cent of 12th graders said they've tried inhalants. Nitrous oxide is among the most abused of these inhalants due to its low cost, easy availability and commercial appeal – one flavor of the gas is named 'pink bubble gum.' Laughing gas parties Because of legal loopholes in the Food and Drug Administration Act, nitrous oxide remains unregulated. What's more, US scientists have done relatively little research on its abuse, partly because the public still perceives the substance as benign, particularly when compared with alcohol. The few studies on the use of nitrous oxide are limited mainly to case reports – that is, a report on a single patient. Although limited in scope, they're alarming. More thorough studies are available in the United Kingdom and Europe, where there's even more demand for the product. One example: Over a 20-year period, 56 people died in England and Wales after recreational use. Typically, deaths occur from hypoxia, which is the lack of oxygen to the brain, or accidents occurring while intoxicated by the gas, such as car wrecks or falls. Americans have known about the effects of nitrous oxide for centuries. Before becoming a medicinal aid, nitrous oxide was popular at 'laughing gas' parties during the late 1700s. Physicians began using it in the US around the mid-19th century after Horace Wells, a dentist, attended a stage show – called 'Laughing Gas Entertainment' – and saw the numbing effect that nitrous oxide had on audience volunteers. By coincidence, Wells was having a wisdom tooth removed the next day, so he tried the gas during his procedure. The nitrous oxide worked; Wells said he felt no pain. Thereafter, medicinal use of the gas was gradually accepted. Today, nitrous oxide is often used in dentist offices. It's safe under a doctor's supervision as a mild sedative that serves as a pain reliever and numbing agent. Nitrous oxide also benefits some patients with severe psychiatric disorders, including treatment-resistant depression and bipolar depression. It may also help with anxiety and pain management. Bans and restrictions No federal age restrictions exist for purchasing nitrous oxide products, although a few states have passed age limits. As of May 2025, four US states – Louisiana, Michigan, Alabama and California – have banned the recreational use of nitrous oxide, and more than 30 states are working on legislation to ban or at least restrict sale of the products. In addition, numerous lawsuits filed against the manufacturers are in court. Research shows school prevention programs help keep kids from using these products. So does early screening of patients by primary care and mental health physicians. The sooner they can intervene, the more likely that ongoing therapy will work. Through appropriate legislation, regulation, education and intervention, nitrous oxide abuse can be slowed or stopped. Otherwise, these products – with their sleek packaging and attractive social media campaigns that obscure their dangers – remain a growing threat to our children.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nitrous oxide recreational use is linked to brain damage and sudden death − but ‘laughing gas' is still sold all over the US
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning Americans about the ever-increasing and potentially deadly recreational use of nitrous oxide products, particularly among young people. Marketed with names like 'Galaxy Gas' and 'Miami Magic,' and often sold in steel cartridges known as 'whippets,' these products are cheap and readily available at gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops and major retail outlets, including Walmart. They're also sold online. As an assistant professor of public health who studies these products, I'm aware of how dangerous they can be. Recreational and continued use of nitrous oxide can cause a wide range of serious health problems, and in some cases, death. The list of serious side effects from frequent use is long. It includes: cognitive impairment, memory problems, hallucinations, headaches, lightheadedness, mood disturbances, blood clots, limb weakness, trouble walking, peripheral neuropathy, impaired bowel or bladder function, spinal cord degeneration and irreversible brain damage. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is common and can lead to nerve and brain damage. Deaths in the U.S. attributed to abuse of nitrous oxide jumped more than 100% between 2019 and 2023; over a five-year period, emergency department visits rose 32%. All told, more than 13 million Americans have misused nitrous oxide at least once during their lifetimes. This includes children: In 2024, just over 4% of eighth graders and about 2% of 12th graders said they've tried inhalants. Nitrous oxide is among the most abused of these inhalants due to its low cost, easy availability and commercial appeal – one flavor of the gas is named 'pink bubble gum.' Because of legal loopholes in the Food and Drug Administration Act, nitrous oxide remains unregulated. What's more, U.S. scientists have done relatively little research on its abuse, partly because the public still perceives the substance as benign, particularly when compared with alcohol. The few studies on the use of nitrous oxide are limited mainly to case reports – that is, a report on a single patient. Although limited in scope, they're alarming. More thorough studies are available in the United Kingdom and Europe, where there's even more demand for the product. One example: Over a 20-year period, 56 people died in England and Wales after recreational use. Typically, deaths occur from hypoxia, which is the lack of oxygen to the brain, or accidents occurring while intoxicated by the gas, such as car wrecks or falls. Americans have known about the effects of nitrous oxide for centuries. Before becoming a medicinal aid, nitrous oxide was popular at 'laughing gas' parties during the late 1700s. Physicians began using it in the U.S. around the mid-19th century after Horace Wells, a dentist, attended a stage show – called 'Laughing Gas Entertainment' – and saw the numbing effect that nitrous oxide had on audience volunteers. By coincidence, Wells was having a wisdom tooth removed the next day, so he tried the gas during his procedure. The nitrous oxide worked; Wells said he felt no pain. Thereafter, medicinal use of the gas was gradually accepted. Today, nitrous oxide is often used in dentist offices. It's safe under a doctor's supervision as a mild sedative that serves as a pain reliever and numbing agent. Nitrous oxide also benefits some patients with severe psychiatric disorders, including treatment-resistant depression and bipolar depression. It may also help with anxiety and pain management. No federal age restrictions exist for purchasing nitrous oxide products, although a few states have passed age limits. As of May 2025, four U.S. states – Louisiana, Michigan, Alabama and California – have banned the recreational use of nitrous oxide, and more than 30 states are working on legislation to ban or at least restrict sale of the products. In addition, numerous lawsuits filed against the manufacturers are in court. Research shows school prevention programs help keep kids from using these products. So does early screening of patients by primary care and mental health physicians. The sooner they can intervene, the more likely that ongoing therapy will work. Through appropriate legislation, regulation, education and intervention, nitrous oxide abuse can be slowed or stopped. Otherwise, these products – with their sleek packaging and attractive social media campaigns that obscure their dangers – remain a growing threat to our children. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Andrew Yockey, University of Mississippi Read more: Popularly known as 'gas station heroin,' tianeptine is being sold as a dietary supplement – with deadly outcomes Nearly 2 million Americans are using kratom yearly, but it is banned in multiple states: A pharmacologist explains the controversy Dietary supplements and protein powders fall under a 'wild west' of products that necessitate caveats and caution Andrew Yockey does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Nitrous oxide recreational use linked to brain damage, sudden death, but ‘laughing gas' still sold in U.S.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning Americans about the ever-increasing and potentially deadly recreational use of nitrous oxide products, particularly among young people. Marketed with names like "Galaxy Gas" and "Miami Magic," and often sold in steel cartridges known as "whippets," these products are cheap and readily available at gas stations, convenience stores, smoke shops and major retail outlets, including Walmart. They're also sold online. As an assistant professor of public health who studies these products, I'm aware of how dangerous they can be. Recreational and continued use of nitrous oxide can cause a wide range of serious health problems, and in some cases, death. Long list of potential harms The list of serious side effects from frequent use is long. It includes: cognitive impairment, memory problems, hallucinations, headaches, lightheadedness, mood disturbances, blood clots, limb weakness, trouble walking, peripheral neuropathy, impaired bowel or bladder function, spinal cord degeneration and irreversible brain damage. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is common and can lead to nerve and brain damage. Deaths in the United States attributed to abuse of nitrous oxide jumped more than 100% between 2019 and 2023; over a five-year period, emergency department visits rose 32%. All told, more than 13 million Americans have misused nitrous oxide at least once during their lifetimes. This includes children: In 2024, just over 4% of eighth-graders and about 2% of 12th-graders said they've tried inhalants. Nitrous oxide is among the most abused of these inhalants due to its low cost, easy availability and commercial appeal -- one flavor of the gas is named "pink bubble gum." Laughing gas parties Because of legal loopholes in the Food and Drug Administration Act, nitrous oxide remains unregulated. What's more, U.S. scientists have done relatively little research on its abuse, partly because the public still perceives the substance as benign, particularly when compared with alcohol. The few studies on the use of nitrous oxide are limited mainly to case reports -- that is, a report on a single patient. Although limited in scope, they're alarming. More thorough studies are available in the United Kingdom and Europe, where there's even more demand for the product. One example: Over a 20-year period, 56 people died in England and Wales after recreational use. Typically, deaths occur from hypoxia, which is the lack of oxygen to the brain, or accidents occurring while intoxicated by the gas, such as car wrecks or falls. Americans have known about the effects of nitrous oxide for centuries. Before becoming a medicinal aid, nitrous oxide was popular at "laughing gas" parties during the late 1700s. Physicians began using it in the United States around the mid-19th century after Horace Wells, a dentist, attended a stage show -- called Laughing Gas Entertainment -- and saw the numbing effect that nitrous oxide had on audience volunteers. By coincidence, Wells was having a wisdom tooth removed the next day, so he tried the gas during his procedure. The nitrous oxide worked; Wells said he felt no pain. Thereafter, medicinal use of the gas was gradually accepted. Today, nitrous oxide is often used in dentists' offices. It's safe under a doctor's supervision as a mild sedative that serves as a pain reliever and numbing agent. Nitrous oxide also benefits some patients with severe psychiatric disorders, including treatment-resistant depression and bipolar depression. It may also help with anxiety and pain management. Bans and restrictions No federal age restrictions exist for purchasing nitrous oxide products, although a few states have passed age limits. As of May 2025, four U.S. states -- Louisiana, Michigan, Alabama and California -- have banned the recreational use of nitrous oxide, and more than 30 states are working on legislation to ban or at least restrict sale of the products. In addition, numerous lawsuits filed against the manufacturers are in court. Research shows school prevention programs help keep kids from using these products. So does early screening of patients by primary care and mental health physicians. The sooner they can intervene, the more likely that ongoing therapy will work. Through appropriate legislation, regulation, education and intervention, nitrous oxide abuse can be slowed or stopped. Otherwise, these products -- with their sleek packaging and attractive social media campaigns that obscure their dangers -- remain a growing threat to our children. Andrew Yockey is an assistant professor of public health at the University of Mississippi. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The views and opinions in this commentary are solely those of the author.
The Independent
05-04-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
Grand National results LIVE: Winners, odds and latest updates on huge day of Aintree racing
The Grand National Festival concludes today with blockbuster showdown at Aintree Racecourse that the last couple of days have been building to. 2024 Grand National champion I Am Maximus is the pre-race favourite with the bookmakers and at the top weight of 11st 12lbs he'll have a tough job on his hands to emulate Grand National legends Red Rum and Tiger Roll by winning the race two years in a row. Competitors include the blazingly good Stumptown and Intense Raffles as well as an Irish chaser Perceval Legallois who is being tipped for a surprising victory in front of the thousands of fans gathered to watch. Aintree day three tips Just under 10 minutes to go until the next day, with a quick turnaround here. Here's Sam Turner's tip for the race... 2.30pm - William Hill Handicap Chase Imperial Saint – 1/2pt ew This trip represents a step into the unknown for Imperial Saint, but his racing style suggests the step up is within his compass and he should appreciate the return to his favoured venue. The selection is 3-3 at Aintree and was an impressive winner when scoring here on Boxing Day by six lengths. He also boasts good ground form on his CV, courtesy of a brace of victories on Merseyside before Christmas. Chris Wilson5 April 2025 14:22 Honesty Policy wins Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Here's the top three from race number two then. 1 - Honesty Policy - 5/1 2 - Regent's Stroll - 9/1 3 - Funiculi Funicula - 12/1 Chris Wilson5 April 2025 14:18 Honesty Policy wins Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle 'He's as honest as it is,' says jockey Mark Walsh, who'll be riding Perceval Legallois in the Grand National later. 'Delighted for Gordon and all the team, it means a lot to them. 'Looking forward to it now, I'm here and ready to go,' he says of the National. Chris Wilson5 April 2025 14:07 Honesty Policy wins Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Down the final straight it looked like Regent's Stroll had won it, but Honesty Policy runs him down to finish half a length ahead! Chris Wilson5 April 2025 14:04 Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle One hurdle left and Regent's Stroll leads, with Koktail Divin second! 5 April 2025 14:03 Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Five hurdles to go and Regent's Stroll still leads, with Rachel Blackmore and Koktail Divin in second. Miami Magic and Kappa Jy Pyke are catching up just behind. Chris Wilson5 April 2025 14:02 Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Regent's Stroll in an early lead in this one. Two groups have formed already, with Koktail Divin and Miami Magic in second and third. 5 April 2025 14:00 Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle A delayed start in this one but after everyone gets settled again we're underway in the second race of the day! Chris Wilson5 April 2025 13:59 Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Horaces Pearl is favourite for this one, with 3/1 offered. Miami Magic is second at 7/2, with Honesty Policy and Regent's Stroll at 5/1. 5 April 2025 13:51 Aintree day three tips 10 minutes until the second race of the day, so here's the next tip... 1.55pm - Turners Mersey Novices' Hurdle Lulamba – 2pt win Fingle Bridge – 1/2pt ew Lulamba has looked a talented horse in his two UK hurdle events to date and was perhaps a little unlucky to be picked off late on by an unconsidered hurdling debutant in the Triumph Hurdle. The step up to two-and-a-half miles should be ideal and he can stamp his class on this race. There is a chance the betting markets may underestimate the ability of Fingle Bridge who has been plying his trade in minor races to date. He copes well with spring ground and could outrun his odds.
