What is Galaxy Gas and Why Is It Dangerous?
Galaxy Gas is a new name for a longtime substance misuse issue, and health experts want parents to know the signs and dangers.Fact checked by Sarah ScottFact checked by Sarah ScottDoctors and mental health experts are warning parents about a dangerous trend that’s re-emerged under a different name: Galaxy Gas. The trend involves misusing whipped cream chargers containing nitrous oxide made by the Atlanta-based company Galaxy Gas.Galaxy says the product is for “high-quality whipped cream chargers and dispensers” that can flavor whipped cream and create foams and mousse for use in cocktails.
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However, people can misuse the product to get high from the nitrous oxide. You may know the trend by another name, whippets. It comes on the heels of “chroming,” another word for misusing inhalants that has long been called “huffing.” Like huffing, using Galaxy Gas to get high from the nitrous oxide poses serious and even fatal health risks.What Is Galaxy Gas, and Why Is It Trending (and Legal)? Galaxy Gas is a company that makes whipped cream chargers with nitrous oxide. However, it also refers to a trend involving the misuse of the chargers for recreational purposes: To get a brief high, explains Gail Saltz, MD, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine and host of the How Can I Help? podcast.“Galaxy Gas is supposed to be marketed for culinary purposes, to make whipped cream and to add flavors to your whipped cream,” Dr. Saltz says. “Unfortunately, teens and young adults have caught on that it is nitrous oxide under pressure and can be used to get a one-minute high.”Galaxy Gas did not respond to an email request for comment. However, in the FAQ section of its website, the company explains that a whipped cream charger “is a stainless steel cartridge filled with nitrous oxide (N2O) gas. Nitrous Oxide is a gas that helps cream, as well as other ingredients, form into a frothy, whipped state upon dispensing. Compared to traditional whipping by hand, whipped cream chargers are able to increase the volume of whipped cream by 4x...An average whipped cream charger contains 8 grams of N2O under pressure and is non-refillable.”The products can be found at retailers like Walmart and Amazon.What is nitrous oxide?Nitrous oxide is used for medical purposes, such as dental procedures, explains Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. It is not considered a controlled substance under federal law, and possessing it is not illegal federally.Louisiana became the first state to ban businesses from “possessing, selling, or transferring nitrate oxide products” in 2024. The law though does not specify whether it applies to culinary products.Regardless of the state, it is not legal to sell or distribute nitrous oxide for recreational drug use (“human consumption") under the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetics Act. However, it is permitted in food as long as the manufacturing practices are deemed good. Since it’s legal for use in culinary products—like cans of whipped cream and chargers—Dr. Saltz says nitrous oxide continues to remain widely accessible for misuse. For instance, when New York passed a law banning the sale of steel cylinders or cartridges filled with nitrous oxide to people under the age of 21, its Department of Agriculture and Markets clarified that it didn’t apply to whipped cream cans.A pop-up on Galaxy Gas’ website also clarifies, “Products containing nitrous oxide are sold solely as a food processing propellant for whipped cream and culinary food use only. It is unlawful for a person to purchase products containing nitrous oxide for any purpose not intended herein and legally authorized...Intentional misuse or inhalation of contents is prohibited and poses a serious health hazard.”Health Risks of Nitrous Oxide/Misusing Galaxy Gas ChargersNitrous oxide affects the central nervous system, notably the brain.“Nitrous oxide reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the brain,” explains Dr. Ganjian. “This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and impaired judgment. Inhaling large amounts or for extended periods can lead to oxygen deprivation, which can damage brain cells and even be fatal.”Dr. Ganjian says other risks and side effects of misusing nitrous oxide include:Loss of coordinationHeadachesNausea and vomitingVitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use, which can cause nerve damage and numbnessLoss of consciousness from oxygen deprivationHeart attack due to a sudden increase in blood pressureSudden death from oxygen deprivationDr. Ganjian says it’s important to seek immediate emergency care if a person is experiencing: Loss of consciousness (not waking up)Difficulty breathingSeizuresTurning blue around the lips or fingertips, which are signs of oxygen deprivation)What Parents Can DoParents can play a proactive—and reactive—role in helping their child steer clear or stop participating in harmful trends like misusing Galaxy Gas. Sometimes, it’s challenging to carve out a lane for yourself in a child’s life, though, especially as they naturally seek independence and place more value on the opinions of their peers. Experts shared tips to help get the conversation started.Start earlyParents may think it’s best to hold off on talking to tweens and younger children about substance misuse. However, Alexandra Stratyner, PhD, a NYC-based psychologist, recommends having a conversation by age 10 about substances, including alcohol, nicotine, and drugs like nitrous oxide.“By adolescence, when many parents think they should first start talking with their children about substances, some children will already have begun experimenting with substance use,” Dr. Stratyner says.Discuss risksDr. Stratyner stresses the importance of informing children about recreational substance use risks in a developmentally appropriate way. Customize the approach based on your child’s values and priorities.“Emphasize the associated health risks, particularly risks that may feel relevant to your child or teen’s current experiences, like academic success or athletic performance,” Dr. Stratyner says. “Make sure to acknowledge that experimenting with substances can lead to the development of addiction.”Let the conversation flowScripts are trendy on social media, and they are certainly helpful. However, they’re a starting point.“Be willing to let the conversation flow,” suggests Alexandra Cromer, LPC with Thriveworks in Richmond, Virginia. “Have a conversation with your child on not only this trend but other dangerous trends out there, and let it lead to other conversation topics such as online safety and boundaries that you prefer your child has online. Let the conversation have its own rhythm and flow, and make it a collaborative one.”Know the signs of misuseYou can be the most attuned parent in the world, and your teen may still try a harmful trend. Understanding the signs can help you remain attuned and get your child help before they experience more severe consequences. Dr. Stratyner says signs of Galaxy Gas or nitrous oxide misuse include:Memory gapsDisposables or empty canistersExcessive exhaustionRandom laughter/euphoric moodMood changesSpend time togetherDr. Stratyner says secure relationships are built over time and it's the little moments that make a child more likely to trust you with big conversations and issues.“Have conversations with your children about their lives, including their peers, the choices they are facing, and their approach to making these choices,” Dr. Stratyner says. “Encouraging them to engage in extracurricular activities, demonstrating interest in their interests, celebrating their successes, and acknowledging their work in school and other pursuits helps to build self-confidence and reinforce healthy decision-making, which in turn can reduce susceptibility to peer pressure.” For more Parents news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Parents.
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