ATLANTA — It's no secret people have been huffing Nitrous Oxide for decades, referred to by most users as whippets.
There are legit, beneficial uses, including in medical, dental and veterinary settings. Nitrous Oxide is also used in aerosol containers to dispense food products like whipped cream.
However, some people choose to inhale the gas for an instant and quick high.
Dr. Katrina Gibson, who works in the Emergency Room at Grady Hospital, warns this quick and intense high can actually be very dangerous.
Some of those short-term effects include seizures and irregular heartbeat. She added, "It can displace oxygen that's in your lungs, which can lead to asphyxia, low oxygen levels in the body. It can also displace vitamin B12, which causes you to lose balance."
As social media has done with a number of things, it has reignited the use of Nitrous Oxide. Many now refer to it as simply "Galaxy Gas."
Galaxy Gas is a company that was founded in metro Atlanta. According to the company's website, "Galaxy Gas has premium whipped cream dispensers, whipped cream chargers, and all essential whipped cream products ready to improve your culinary experience."
The company also created flavored Nitrogen Oxide, which is sold in a variety of containers. You only have to be 18 to buy Nitrogen Oxide, and you can find it in vape shops and even convenience stores. On Thursday, 11Alive found it in a local gas station in the same case as vapes.
Galaxy Gas has been featured in several videos across multiple social media platforms, which has made it sort of the new catchall term for inhaling the gas.
Since the trend gained so much traction on social media, the company behind Galaxy Gas now has a disclaimer on their website that reads:
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. By purchasing products containing nitrous oxide you expressly agree and warrant your possession and use shall be legally compliant and strictly limited to culinary food preparation as lawfully intended and for no other purpose. You acknowledge and agree this a material condition for purchase of products containing nitrous oxide. Intentional misuse or inhalation of contents is prohibited and poses a serious health hazard. You understand that unlawful use is strictly prohibited and expressly agree to hold the retail seller, distributer, and/or manufacturer of this nitrous oxide product harmless for any injuries, damages or claims arising from misuse of such products. By proceeding on this website and proceeding with purchase you acknowledge you have read and understand the lawful intent, purpose, and condition of sale for such products and expressly agree to the terms.
Dr. Gibson said parents should talk with their children about the dangers behind this trend, as many see it as harmless. She said that besides the short-term risks, this instant, quick high can lead to more long-term issues.
"It does have the potential for addiction, she said"
11Alive asked the company for a statement on Thursday afternoon and asked what they were doing to combat this trend. As of late Thursday night, they've not yet responded.