Mixing nitrous oxide with alcohol is particularly dangerous because it can increase the risks associated with both substances and lead to an increased risk of accidents. Simply giving one person a box of whipped cream so the other person can get high is also a crime, but much more serious because it contains nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide slows down your brain and your body`s reactions, and the effect of the drug varies depending on how much you inhale. Prolonged use of nitrous oxide or multiple repeated inhalations of the drug can lead to more serious consequences. Since the effect of the drug fades so quickly, a user is tempted to inhale the drug several times in a row. Due to the very low oxygen content of nitrous oxide, repeated application can lead to oxygen starvation, leading to irreversible brain damage. The gas is extremely cold in its natural state, there is a risk of frostbite on the face and lungs in users who inhale nitrous oxide directly from a tank. Nausea and vomiting may also result from use if the user has recently eaten. Tests have also shown that prolonged use of nitrous oxide can deplete the body`s production of vitamin B12, which can lead to brain and nerve damage. Nitrous oxide interferes with folic acid production, tests have confirmed the risk of serious malformations in infants born to mothers who regularly inhaled the drug in the early stages of pregnancy.
Finally, cases of mental and physical dependence on nitrous oxide have been recorded, if you or a loved one suffers from nitrous oxide dependence, an ARISE® drug intervention can help your loved one on the road to recovery. Inhalation of industrial nitrous oxide is also dangerous because it contains many impurities and is not intended for human use. Food-grade nitric oxide is also not intended for inhalation; Bulbs typically contain industrial lubricants from their manufacturing process on and in them. When the bulb is pierced, these solvents can aerosolize and introduce unknown particles into the gas. These lubricants usually leave oily residue on the onion “cracker” or whipped cream dispenser. [6] Nitrous oxide has been associated with nervous system damage and paralysis. A recent article describes the risks. Nitrous oxide is often taken in combination with other medications. Thus, its effects can be unpredictable as it depends on the other medications that are taken with it. Humphry Davy first described the anesthetic properties of nitrous oxide in his book in 1800; Already at that time it was used in free time. Nitrous oxide abuse was previously largely limited to health professionals and widespread (a 1979 survey found that 20% of medical and dental students used it recreationally).1 It has recently gained popularity at music parties and festivals; The 2012 World Drug Survey – an international online survey of drug use mainly among young adults with over 22,000 respondents – found that almost half of UK respondents had used nitrous oxide at some point during their leisure time, 10% in the previous 12 months.2 This is largely due to free availability in nightclubs and low costs.
in the form of “whipbits” (aerosol chargers used in whipped cream cans, each containing 8 g of nitrous oxide and costing around 50 pence (€0.70); Figure 1), from which it is discharged into a balloon and then inhaled. Because nitrous oxide can cause dizziness, dissociation and temporary loss of motor control, it is dangerous to inhale while standing. So part of the safer use may be inhaling it while sitting, as there is less risk of injury from falling. Direct inhalation from a tank poses a serious health risk, as frostbite can occur because the gas is very cold when released. For these reasons, most recreational users divert the gas into a balloon or whipped cream dispenser before inhaling it. [4] On that occasion, he admitted to dislocating his kneecap several times and intentionally with a fist or hammer in order to go to the hospital and receive nitrous oxide analgesia, where he had returned after his first discharge. We immediately began the rapid, high-dose replacement of B12 on admission, but he nevertheless remains paraplegic and in a wheelchair after 6 years of irregular follow-up. Inhaling nitrous oxide can be fatal if you don`t get enough oxygen, known as hypoxia.2,3,5 A dentist usually has a 10- to 20-pound nitrogen tank. In 2018, a freshman at Ohio University died of asphyxiation after ingesting nitrous oxide from whipped cream chargers, allegedly as part of a turbidity ritual. [8] She admitted to using nitrous oxide for analgesia at least twice a week in the weeks prior to admission, as well as occasional nitrous oxide “balloons” during her leisure time in nightclubs.
There was no other illicit drug use. She was eating normally. Serum B12 was 217 ng/L (193-663) and homocysteine was elevated to 42.8 ng/L (0-12). We started treatment with high doses of B12 intramuscular. Her gait and bladder function improved rapidly and she fully recovered. There are no significant withdrawal symptoms other than the desire to consume more nitrous oxide.1 Recreational users typically use 8-gram (1/4-ounce) containers of nitrous oxide “whisks” with which they fill balloons or whipped cream dispensers. The gas is then inhaled from the flask or distributor. [19] This is necessary because nitrous oxide is very cold when decompressed adiabatically when it comes out of a canister; Inhalation directly from a reservoir is dangerous and can cause frostbite of the larynx and bronchi. [20] Whips containing nitrous oxide have even been known to freeze your face like frostbite. These nitrous oxide “miracle weapons” are designed to be very robust because they contain concentrated gas, but this means that they are almost indestructible and threaten to cause serious nuisance and pollute the landscape. It`s possible that these canisters create useful habitats for some insects and spiders – much like cans and discarded beverage bottles, but the effect is certainly detrimental to conservation efforts.
As they are heavy, they are likely to sink into the ground and are difficult to pick up and they will be a nuisance to gardeners, metal detectors and foresters. With the rapid build-up of these gas containers being thrown into the environment, what can be done about it? Nitrous oxide (street name hippie crack, whippets or whippits) is a gas that can cause euphoria, hallucinogenic states and relaxation when inhaled. [1] First recorded in the 18th century at upper-class “nitrous oxide festivals,” the experiment was largely limited to medical students until the late 20th century, when laws restricting access to gas were relaxed to serve dentists and hospitals.
