“Just because it’s legal doesn’t mean it’s safe.”
Health officials are warning after a new study, released on Thursday, reveals a dramatic rise in nitrous oxide misuse in mainly metro areas of Michigan.
Commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is widely available and legal, but its abuse can lead to serious and even permanent health consequences.
A study by Dr. Varun Vohra, Senior Director and Clinical Toxicologist at the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center at Wayne State University, found that reported nitrous oxide misuse quadrupled between 2019 and 2023.
The increase spans across poison center consultations, emergency department visits, and EMS responses.
The data points to Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties as the hardest-hit regions of the state.
“So, a quadrupling in terms of cases reported to the poison center, case encounters in the emergency departments, and EMS responses,” said Dr. Vohra during an interview on Thursday (April 10).
Many of those impacted are young adults, often unaware of the serious health risks.
Chronic use of nitrous oxide can lead to permanent paralysis, psychosis, and even death due to its toxic effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
One of the significant factors contributing to this trend is easy access.
“Above all, accessibility and widespread availability,” said Dr. Vohra. “You can go to various smoke shops, vape shops, convenience stores, and gas stations. You can buy it online from Amazon.”
With 2024 data already being analyzed, Dr. Vohra hopes the findings will raise public awareness and help influence future legislation limiting recreational nitrous oxide access.
Local 4 first reported on this issue in February, and we will continue to investigate how this silent but dangerous trend is affecting Michigan communities.
If you or someone you know has questions or needs help, contact the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center at 800-222-1222 or 313-486-0078.
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