Residents warned of risks from recreational nitrous oxide
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MARQUETTE -- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is warning residents about the growing misuse of recreational nitrous oxide, a substance commonly known as "laughing gas," "whippets," "balloons," "Galaxy Gas" or "NOS."
Nitrous oxide intoxication can impair judgment, coordination and reaction time.
It has, however, many legitimate medical, dental and culinary uses. But MDHHS officials say recreational use, particularly repeated or heavy use, can cause serious health problems including anxiety, depression, memory problems, confusion, paranoia, anemia, blood clots and breathing difficulties.
"Because these products are often sold openly and may be marketed as legal or low risk, people may underestimate the real dangers," said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive for MDHHS.
Nitrous oxide products are widely available at grocery stores, smoke shops, vape stores, gas stations, convenience stores and online retailers. Some products are sold in colorful packaging or flavored varieties, which health officials say may make them appear less dangerous.
Data from the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center show a significant increase in nitrous oxide-related emergencies in recent years.
Between 2019 and 2023, Michigan recorded 144 poison center cases, 132 emergency department visits and 192 emergency medical service responses involving nitrous oxide.
Reported cases rose from 10 in 2019 to 47 in 2025. Officials expect the number of cases in 2026 to surpass the 2025 total.
Of 112 cases identified between 2024 and May 2026, 34% required hospitalization, while 7% required admission to an intensive care unit. Nearly half of the reported cases resulted in medically significant outcomes.
Those outcomes included numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty walking, balance problems, confusion, anxiety and loss of consciousness.
Dr. Varun Vohra, senior academic director of the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center at Wayne State University School of Medicine, said repeated recreational use can result in neurological, blood-clotting and psychiatric complications.
Health officials are particularly concerned about large, flavored cylinders that can allow people to inhale larger amounts of nitrous oxide over longer periods.
Recreational nitrous oxide may be sold in several forms, including small metal chargers known as "whippets," large flavored canisters or tanks, and balloons filled with the gas.
MDHHS says people may not immediately recognize that their symptoms are connected to nitrous oxide use, especially when use is repeated over time.
Warning signs can include:
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
• Trouble walking, balance problems or unexpected falls.
• Confusion, anxiety or sudden mood changes.
• Feeling unusually unlike oneself.
• Passing out or having trouble breathing.
• Injuries occurring after using the substance.
Dr. Matt Dellaquila, president of the Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists, emphasized that nitrous oxide can be used safely in controlled medical settings but poses different risks when used without trained supervision.
"When used without trained supervision, what's marketed as harmless fun can quickly become dangerous and even life-threatening," Dellaquila said.
Additionally, the gas can cause frostbite, asphyxiation, loss of consciousness and injuries resulting from impaired judgment.