A common sedative sometimes taken to get high is becoming deadlier. Research out this week finds that annual U.S. deaths ...

By Ernie Mundell HealthDay ReporterFRIDAY, Aug. 1, 2025 (HealthDay News) — It’s no laughing matter: Kids and teens across ...

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Nitrous oxide deaths in the United States spiked by more than 500% between 2010 and 2023, a new study indicates.

"This is not local to one area; it's everywhere," said researchers about the drug, whose most common users are eighth grade ...

Deaths in the United States attributed to abuse of nitrous oxide jumped more than 100% between 2019 and 2023; over a five-year period, emergency department visits rose 32%.

Commonly known as “laughing gas,” nitrous oxide is widely available and legal, but its abuse can lead to serious and even permanent health consequences. Read more here.

Figure shows poison center cases, emergency department visits, and emergency medical service responses related to recreational nitrous oxide misuse — Michigan, 2019–2023 (CDC/WWMT) ...

That statistic is supported by a 553% increase in emergency medical service calls related to nitrous oxide during the same period. Emergency department visits also increased by 757% from 2019 to 2023.

Nitrous Oxide Cans (Courtesy/Transform Drug Policy Foundation) Emergency medical service responses related to nitrous oxide misuse rose by 553%, and emergency department visits surged by 757% from ...

Between 2019 and 2024, data shows that emergency responses related to nitrous oxide misuse have surged. Calls to Michigan's poison control center increased 533% over the five-year period.

Regulations on nitrous oxide vary across the Tri-State. In Ohio, it is legal to purchase for those over 21, while in Kentucky, it cannot be bought in vape and tobacco stores.