Nitrous oxide can cause severe injury, paralysis and even death. So why is it easier to get for teenagers than energy drinks or cigarettes?
Welcome to America’s next public health crisis that is being underwritten by big business and ignored by the US government.
Nitrous oxide has been around for many decades and used in a variety of products, including in whipped cream canisters, and car engines to give them an extra power boost. It is also popularly known as ‘laughing gas’ which dentists administer to their patients for pain relief. Only lately has nitrous oxide, marketed under the name of ‘Galaxy Gas,’ become popular among today’s youth in search of a cheap buzz.
Although ostensibly marketed as a culinary product, Galaxy Gas is sold in colorful bottles with alluring flavors, such as Mango Smoothie, Strawberry Cream and Vanilla Cupcake. Meanwhile, the product (Galaxy Gas is just one of dozens of brands selling nitrous oxide) has been popularized on social media, where influencers on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube have led millions of youths astray in search of a quick and affordable jolt of euphoria.
Various brands of nitrous oxide canisters can easily be bought online from major marketplaces including Walmart, Amazon and eBay. Though most companies require purchasers to be over 18 to order them, they’ve still found their way into the hands of many teens (Following reports of abuse, Galaxy Gas has paused direct sales from their website and is facing regulatory action due to health risks).
Across the US, more than 25 million people over the age of 12 may have tried inhalants, according to a survey from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. And data shows adolescents from 12-17 more commonly use ‘whippets’ than those who are 18 and older.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: rt.com
