WHAT IS NITROUS OXIDE?

  

• Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) is a gas that has been safely used as a mild anesthetic in combination with oxygen for over a century.

• It is classified as a "dissociative anaesthetic."

• Nitrous is legally available for over-the-counter sale, although in many states it is illegal to sell nitrous to a minor. Some states also have laws against inhaling nitrous for intoxication purposes.

• Nitrous is most commonly sold in small canisters for use in making whipped cream ("whippits"), although it can also be purchased in large tanks.

 

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS?

  

• A lungful of nitrous oxide results in the temporary loss of motor control and a "dissociative" psychological effect, where sensations and perceptions become disconnected.

• Users report a dreamy mental state, and may experience mild audio and visual hallucinations.

• The effects come on immediately and usually last less than a minute. Repeated inhalations of nitrous can extend and intensify the experience.

 

DANGERS!

  

• Nitrous produces an immediate loss of motor control. Stay seated if you are going to inhale nitrous. There have been many injuries and a few deaths from people who have fallen down after inhaling nitrous.

• Your brain needs oxygen! Brain damage and suffocation can result from inhaling pure nitrous for an extended period of time.

• Nitrous can be extremely cold when it comes out of the tank. Cold gas can burn the skin as well as the lips and throat. Dispensing the gas into a balloon and allowing it to warm up before inhaling it can reduce this risk.

• High pressure levels in the tank can shoot the gas out at a dangerously fast speed and damage the lungs.