Health Canada Warns About The Dangers Of Inhaling Nitrous Oxide

Health Canada has issued a warning about nitrous oxide products, also known as laughing gas, after reports of severe health risks—including death—linked to recreational inhalation. This alert affects anyone who may encounter these products outside of medical settings. No injuries have been officially reported through this notice.

What’s being recalled?

• Product name: Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas, whippets, hippy crack, NOS, nang)
• Type: Gas canisters and chargers, often sold as whipped cream chargers
• Where it's sold: Online retailers and retail stores across Canada
• Recall date: June 6, 2025

Nitrous oxide is commonly found in small metal canisters marketed for food preparation, but some are being sold or used for recreational inhalation.

Nitrous oxide (laughing gas, whippets, NOS, nang)

Nitrous oxide is a colourless gas used medically for sedation and pain relief and in kitchens as a propellant for whipped cream dispensers. It is typically found in hospitals, dental offices, and food supply stores, but is increasingly available in small canisters in retail and online shops.

What’s the risk?

Inhaling nitrous oxide for recreation can cause loss of consciousness, nerve damage and even death. Other risks include birth defects, heart problems, and lasting neurological damage. Children, teens, and young adults are especially at risk if exposed or encouraged to try these products.

What should parents do?

• Check your home for nitrous oxide canisters and keep them out of reach.
• Talk to your family about the risks of inhaling nitrous oxide.
• Report any unauthorized sales or advertising of nitrous oxide for inhalation to Health Canada.

Key takeaways

• Recreational inhalation of nitrous oxide can cause severe health effects, including death and permanent nerve damage.
• Products are being sold online and in stores across Canada, sometimes under misleading labels.
• No injuries have been officially reported in this recall notice, but Health Canada has seized unauthorized products.

Check the official recall notice

See the full Health Canada alert: “Health Canada warns consumers not to inhale nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, recreationally”

This article was crafted with assistance from an AI language model and reviewed by a human editor. The final version reflects this publication’s editorial standards and expertise.