Mental health experts and doctors are raising alarms about a dangerous trend re-emerging under the name “Galaxy Gas.” This trend involves the misuse of whipped cream chargers filled with nitrous oxide, a product made by the Atlanta-based company Galaxy Gas.
While Galaxy Gas markets its chargers for culinary purposes—such as making whipped cream, foams, and mousse—people are misusing the product to get high from the nitrous oxide, which you might recognize as “whippets.”
This trend follows the emergence of “chroming,” another term for inhalant misuse, also known as “huffing.” Similar to huffing, inhaling Galaxy Gas nitrous oxide carries serious, even fatal, health risks.
What is Galaxy Gas, and Why Is It Trending (and Legal)?
Galaxy Gas manufactures whipped cream chargers filled with nitrous oxide, but the product is being misused to create a brief, one-minute high, says Gail Saltz, MD, a clinical associate professor of psychiatry at New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine and host of the How Can I Help? podcast.
“Galaxy Gas is intended for culinary use, but teens and young adults have discovered that the nitrous oxide can be inhaled to achieve a short-lived high,” Dr. Saltz explains.
Galaxy Gas did not respond to a request for comment. However, its website explains that a whipped cream charger is a stainless steel cartridge filled with 8 grams of nitrous oxide, used to turn cream into a frothy state. The chargers can be found at retailers like Walmart and Amazon.
What is Nitrous Oxide?
Nitrous oxide, commonly used in medical settings such as dental procedures, is not considered a controlled substance under federal law, according to Daniel Ganjian, MD, FAAP, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. While its recreational use is illegal, the gas is legal for culinary purposes and remains widely accessible for misuse.
Some states, like Louisiana, have started taking steps to limit access, passing laws in 2024 banning businesses from selling nitrous oxide for recreational use. Still, these laws may not always apply to culinary products like whipped cream chargers. New York passed a similar law that does not cover whipped cream cans, allowing the misuse of nitrous oxide to persist.
Health Risks of Misusing Galaxy Gas Chargers
Nitrous oxide affects the brain and central nervous system by reducing oxygen levels, Dr. Ganjian explains. Misuse can cause dizziness, impaired judgment, and more serious conditions such as oxygen deprivation, leading to brain damage or death. Other risks include:
- Loss of coordination
- Headaches, nausea, and vomiting
- Long-term use leading to vitamin B12 deficiency, causing nerve damage
- Risk of heart attack from sudden spikes in blood pressure
- Sudden death from oxygen deprivation
Immediate medical care is crucial if someone experiences seizures, loss of consciousness, or signs of oxygen deprivation like blue lips or fingertips.
How Parents Can Help
Parents play an essential role in preventing or addressing dangerous trends like Galaxy Gas misuse. Experts suggest the following strategies:
Start Early:
Psychologist Alexandra Stratyner, PhD, recommends initiating conversations about substance misuse by age 10, as many children may begin experimenting with substances earlier than parents expect.
Discuss the Risks:
When talking to children, explain the health risks in ways that are relevant to their lives, such as how substance misuse can affect academic or athletic performance. Emphasize that experimenting with drugs can lead to addiction.
Let the Conversation Flow:
Instead of sticking strictly to a script, let the conversation develop naturally, advises Alexandra Cromer, LPC. Use the discussion about Galaxy Gas as an opportunity to talk about other dangerous trends, online safety, and boundaries.
Recognize the Signs of Misuse:
Even attentive parents may miss signs of substance use. Keep an eye out for memory gaps, empty canisters, sudden mood changes, or excessive laughter. Spotting these red flags early can help prevent more severe consequences.
Build Trust:
Dr. Stratyner emphasizes the importance of fostering secure relationships over time. Engage in regular conversations about your child’s life, friends, and choices. Encouraging healthy activities and celebrating their achievements can build self-confidence and reduce susceptibility to peer pressure.
By being proactive, informed, and engaged, parents can help protect their children from harmful trends like Galaxy Gas misuse.