Health officials warn the increased use of nitrous oxide, an inhalant commonly used by healthcare providers as a sedative, is causing an influx in throat and mouth injuries among college students.
Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is an odorless gas used for sedation and pain relief as it slows down the nervous system by restricting oxygen flow to the brain, producing a high. It is referred to as a dissociative drug, meaning it causes people to feel separated or detached from their body or physical environment. It is sometimes used to treat people withdrawing from alcohol dependency.
The substance produces vapors that can also lead to short-term impaired vision and speech, hallucinations, nausea, and drowsiness. It can also have more dangerous side effects like heart failure and long-term memory, attention and judgment problems, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse. Long-term use of inhalants is also associated with mood and anxiety disorders such as depression.
RELATED ARTICLE: Drug Overdose Deaths Have Decreased in the U.S.
The drug is often sold in small canisters called whippets or whip-its. Although inhalant abuse isn’t new, drug experts say the prevalence of smoke shops and accessibility of online shopping have made it easier for people to buy whippets in large quantities, USA Today reports.
“For really high volume, longer term use, there’s actually nerve conduction function impairment, and some cognitive function impairment,” says Cleveland Clinic Pediatric Pulmonologist Dr. John Carl.
Selling and purchasing nitrous oxide for its intended use is legal and is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under its Food and Drug Cosmetics Act, according to USA Today. There are websites that sell whipped cream dispensers and nitrous oxide canisters meant for culinary use but online tutorials show how to abuse the products.
Nitrous Oxide Huffing Videos Shared on Social Media
For months now, social media has amplified the trend as people film themselves or their friends doing whippets. Experts say as young people continue to struggle with their mental health, the increase in social media posts about huffing have contributed to its normalization. While nitrous oxide is typically sold in small canister, many videos show users inhaling directly from large tanks, which health experts say increases the risk of effects.
RELATED ARTICLE: 17 Studio City Middle Schoolers Treated for Overdose Symptoms After Taking Edibles
Others have taken to social media to denounce huffing and to warn of its dangers. According to USA Today, Hootie Hurley, who is one-half of a DJ group that commonly performs at fraternities, posted a TikTok video talking about inhalant abuse they saw while at a fraternity. The video has garnered over 4.4 million views.
“We walk into the president’s chambers (at the fraternity) … and there’s three dudes carrying, like, Butane tanks,” Hurley said. “And they’re going, ‘Keep going, keep going, keep going!’ as a student huffed the gas.”
Hurley goes on to say he witnessed the student pass out for several seconds.
Nitrous Oxide Huffing on Rise Among College Students
Nitrous oxide huffing is a growing problem on many college campuses, and it is impacting student health. USA Today reports that during 2024 Mardi Gras celebrations at Tulane University, a TikTok video showed thousands of empty steel cartridges littering the ground outside frat houses.
“It was just something that I had become used to at this point, that this was the culture at Tulane,” sophomore Alya Satchu told USA Today, noting the streets near campus are often full of “empty, little metal canisters.”
In Oct. 2024, West Virginia University (WVU) reported a spike in mouth and throat injuries. WVU Student Health and Urgent Medical Director Dr. Carmen Burrel said the majority of the injuries were from whippets.
RELATED ARTICLE: Addressing the School E-Cigarette and Vaping Epidemic
A community notice issued by the school warned students of potential frostbite and chill burns around the mouth, throat, and fingers due to the low temperature of nitrous oxide.
“Inhaled chemicals can cause immediate and long-term health effects,” said Burrell. “These include burns to the nose, mouth and throat, damage to the lungs, irregular heart rhythms and neurological problems. Patients should be evaluated immediately if any concerning symptoms are noted.”
On a positive note, studies show inhalants are far less prevalent than other party drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy. In 2023, less then 1% of people ages 12 and older reported using inhalants, according to a study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).