Nitrous Oxide ("Whippets"): What You Need to Know About the Growing Health Risks
Nitrous oxide—commonly known as "laughing gas" or "whippets"—has become an increasingly popular recreational drug, but many people are unaware of the serious health risks associated with its misuse. Across Michigan and the United States, poison centers and emergency departments are seeing more cases involving nitrous oxide exposure, prompting healthcare professionals to raise awareness about its dangers.
The Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center (MiPDC) has been working with media outlets throughout the state to educate the public on this growing trend. MiPDC Senior Director and Clinical Toxicologist Dr. Varun Vohra recently spoke with multiple news organizations about why nitrous oxide misuse is becoming a significant public health concern.
Why Is Nitrous Oxide Misuse Dangerous?
While nitrous oxide has legitimate medical and culinary uses, inhaling it recreationally can have serious consequences. Repeated or heavy use can interfere with the body's ability to use vitamin B12, potentially leading to:
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Muscle weakness
Nerve damage that may become permanent
Confusion and cognitive changes
Loss of consciousness or injury due to oxygen deprivation
Many people mistakenly believe that nitrous oxide is a "safe" drug because of its legal uses. However, repeated misuse can result in life-altering neurological complications that may require months of rehabilitation and, in some cases, may never fully resolve.
A Growing Trend in Michigan
Healthcare providers across Michigan have observed a significant increase in nitrous oxide-related poison center calls, emergency department visits, and EMS responses. The widespread availability of flavored nitrous oxide canisters marketed for recreational use has contributed to increased accessibility, particularly among teens and young adults.
Early recognition and education are essential to preventing serious injuries. If someone experiences numbness, weakness, difficulty walking, confusion, or other concerning symptoms after using nitrous oxide, they should seek medical attention immediately.
MiPDC in the News
Dr. Varun Vohra has recently shared expert insights on nitrous oxide misuse with several Michigan news organizations. We encourage you to read these in-depth stories to learn more about this emerging public health issue:
FOX 2 Detroit
Michigan sees sharp increase in nitrous oxide-related emergencies
Learn how healthcare providers are responding to the rise in nitrous oxide exposures and why experts are concerned about the growing trend.
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/michigan-sees-sharp-increase-nitrous-oxide-related-emergencies
Detroit Free Press
Nitrous oxide ("whippets") misuse is sending more people to hospitals
This article explores the health effects of nitrous oxide misuse and highlights what poison center experts are seeing across Michigan.
Public Good News
Nitrous Oxide: Understanding the Risks of "Whippets"
This feature examines the misconceptions surrounding nitrous oxide and explains the potentially serious neurological effects associated with repeated use.
https://publicgoodnews.com/2026/06/15/nitrous-oxide-understanding-risks-whippets/
Need Poison Help?
The Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide free, confidential treatment advice for poisonings, medication questions, and substance exposures.
Call the Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center anytime: 1-800-222-1222
If someone is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
