The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning on Friday, strongly recommending that consumers not inhale products containing nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas" because it can cause serious side effects including death. Nitrous oxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can produce euphoria, relaxation, and a sense of detachment from reality when inhaled.
The gas has a variety of legitimate medical, industrial and commercial uses, such as as a propellant in cream frothers and water siphons.
It is sold in portable, inexpensive cans, is easily available, and is marketed under a variety of brand names, including Galaxy Gas, Baking Bad, and Miami Magic, among others.
The FDA warns against improper use of these products in any can, can, or other form, as misuse can lead to serious health problems, including blood clots, loss of consciousness, paralysis, mental disorders, and even death.