DETROIT – A study from Wayne State University is showing a dramatic spike in nitrous oxide abuse in 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.
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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.
Related: Surge in nitrous oxide abuse raises alarming health concerns in Michigan
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.
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.
“Memory impairment, depression, mood changes, anxiety,” said Vohra. “It can lead to what we call sub-acute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. It can lead to neuropathy.”
One of the significant factors contributing to this trend is easy access. Despite the dangers, nitrous oxide remains largely unregulated. There are currently no federal or state restrictions on its sale or use.
“You can buy it online from Amazon, just doing a quick Amazon search,” Vohra said. “Now we’re seeing more commercial products — these large, large tanks, anywhere between, you know, two- and four-liter tanks.”
---> You can read Dr. Vohra’s study here.
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.
Coming up on Local 4 News at 5, hear from a mother who has been advocating for regulation after her son succumbed to addiction.
