The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is encouraging physicians and others to help increase awareness of recreational nitrous oxide misuse in Michigan and its potential health risks. To support this effort, new resources for the public and health professionals have been released.
Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to as “laughing gas,” “whippets,” “balloons,” “Galaxy Gas,” or “NOS,” has legitimate medical, dental, and culinary uses. However, recreational products are widely available in stores and online and may be marketed in ways that make them appear legal or low risk. Repeated or heavy recreational use can lead to serious health effects, including neurological symptoms, mental health concerns, and other medical complications.
Recent data from the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center (MiPDC) show an increase in adverse medical encounters associated with nitrous oxide misuse. From January 2024 through May 14, 2026, 112 poison center cases involving intentional recreational nitrous oxide misuse causing injury were identified. Of those cases, 99 individuals presented to a hospital, including 38 hospital admissions and 10 ICU admissions. Nearly half of reported cases resulted in medically significant outcomes.
To help increase awareness, MDHHS has released two new resources:
- Press release: MDHHS warns of serious health risks linked to recreational nitrous oxide use.
- Public Health Bulletin for Health Care Providers: Recreational nitrous oxide misuse in Michigan: What providers need to know.
The provider bulletin includes additional Michigan data, information on recognizing recreational nitrous oxide products and potential health effects, as well as considerations for screening, patient education, and clinical care.
If someone has been exposed to nitrous oxide and there is concern about possible poisoning or adverse effects, contact the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center at 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential, expert guidance.
Additional resources Re: Nitrous oxide education
- Nitrous Oxide Misuse.
- Tackling the growing burden of nitrous oxide-induced public health harms.
- Whippits, nitrous oxide, and the dangers of legal highs.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Notes from the Field: Recreational Nitrous Oxide Misuse — Michigan, 2019–2023.
- Nitrous Oxide Dangers: What Michigan Families Need to Know.
Comments or questions regarding this article can be directed to Stacey P. Hettiger, MSMS Senior Director of Advocacy and Payor Relations, at shettiger@msms.org or 517-336-5766.