Rep. Mullin Introduces Bill to Address Nitrous Oxide Abuse

Inspired By Coalition of Parents Whose Children Suffered from Nitrous Oxide Abuse, Rep. Mullin Introduces Bipartisan Federal Bill

Washington, D.C. - As abuse of nitrous oxide has exploded in recent years, with an increasing number of people being hospitalized or even dying as a result, Rep. Kevin Mullin (CA-15) has been working with a group of parents from across the country on a new bipartisan bill to curb the widespread consumer sale of this addictive inhalant.

Social media trends are fueling misuse of nitrous oxide (N₂O), commonly known as "laughing gas," amongst teens and young adults. Products are often sold under names such as "Galaxy Gas," "Baking Bad," "Miami Magic," and "Goo Sticks," and marketed with neon colors, sweet flavor descriptors, and even people partying on the beach. Despite companies falsely marketing it as a harmless party drug, nitrous oxide can result in oxygen deprivation, neurological damage, paralysis, blood clot complications, and even death. Nitrous oxide DUI incidents have also caused injuries to others and pose broad public safety risks.

Rep. Mullin's Nitrous Oxide Safety Act (H.R.7945) would ban retail sales, including online, of nitrous oxide products to consumers, while preserving access for legitimate medical, dental, industrial, food production, automotive, and research uses. Although nitrous oxide has important professional applications, public health experts warn that there is no safe level of inhalation outside of strict clinical protocols. Under Rep. Mullin's proposal, nitrous oxide cannot be sold to consumers regardless of whether the product is labeled as a food product or any warning label. Anyone selling nitrous oxide for one of the identified legitimate uses would need to show that the product is not getting into the hands of consumers or potentially face civil or criminal penalties.

"We have been hearing heartbreaking stories from parents whose children have been gravely injured, hospitalized with serious neurological problems, and in the worst cases even died from nitrous oxide misuse," said Rep. Kevin Mullin. "The blatant branding of these products as a carefree party drug is absurd, and this dangerous inhalant is widely available online and at stores across America. While some states and local jurisdictions have worked to rightfully ban these products, we need a federal approach, and the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act closes that gap."

According to public health data, more than 14 million Americans have misused nitrous oxide in their lifetime, and deaths linked to misuse have increased by an estimated 578% over the past decade. Recent media reporting has documented a growing number of severe injuries and deaths associated with nitrous oxide, which is addictive.

A coalition of parents from across America have been advocating for new laws to ban recreational sales of nitrous oxide. Several states have recently enacted bans, however Rep. Mullin's bill would be the first federal intervention to ensure communities are protected against nitrous oxide misuse.

"I know personally the devastating consequences of nitrous oxide abuse after my son told me he suddenly developed weakness in his legs with nerve pain and was unable to walk. In just three months of using nitrous oxide, he developed peripheral neuropathy, and within eight short months he was in a hospital bed for 12 days with blood clots in his legs, his lungs and a 3 cm clot on his heart," said Gerrie Gray-Benedi, who lives in Virginia. "These products are readily available online and in vape and smoke shops, often marketed in colorful, flavored packaging despite the serious risks they pose. This is not only a health issue but a public safety issue, as nitrous oxide impairment can put everyone on our roads at risk. I want to thank Congressman Kevin Mullin for introducing the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act, it is an important step toward protecting families and communities from this growing threat."

"Across the country, young adults are experiencing serious and permanent health consequences from nitrous oxide abuse, including nerve damage, paralysis, and blood clots; and in many cases, untimely death. Families and hospitals are bearing the burden of a preventable epidemic. I lost my 34-year-old Air Force veteran son due to suicide driven by nitrous oxide, and he was missing for 63 days before his remains were found," said Julia Charleston, who now lives in Alabama and started the Facebook group People Against Nitrous Oxide. "I am grateful that Congressman Mullin has worked with us and taken up a federal bill to protect against the deadly risks of nitrous oxide. If these hazardous products were off the shelves four years ago, maybe my son would still be alive."

"Nitrous oxide is a safe and effective anesthetic agent when it is used in a clinical setting, but its growing recreational abuse can lead to grave consequences, including addiction and even death," said California Medical Association President René Bravo, M.D. "Rep. Kevin Mullin's H.R. 7945 is a commonsense public health measure to address the alarming rise in the recreational misuse of nitrous oxide - particularly among young people - while preserving access for legitimate medical purposes."

"Nitrous oxide cartridges are widely available online and at large retailers, and is becoming popular for youth to "huff." In exchange for a brief high, users can experience addiction, psychosis and suicidality," said Dr. Kevin Sevarino, MD, PhD, Medical Director of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP). "Users I have treated seem unaware that it can cause oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, cognitive impairment, and in severe cases, death. There are no FDA-approved medications to treat nitrous oxide addiction, and use is elevated in those with major depression and ADHD. AAAP supports the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act to help protect consumers from the risks of nitrous oxide abuse."

Specifically, the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act would:

• Prohibit the sale of nitrous oxide products to consumers for household use;
• Strengthen regulatory clarity to prevent retail and online mislabeling or youth-targeted marketing of nitrous oxide canisters.
• Preserve access for licensed medical and dental professionals using nitrous oxide under established clinical protocols; legitimate industrial, food production, automotive, and research applications; and
• Allow continued sale of legitimate multi-ingredient food products that contain nitrous oxide as a component (such as whipped cream canisters used in commercial and household cooking).

The Nitrous Oxide Safety Act is a straightforward approach that reflects growing bipartisan concern over the rapid rise in inhalant misuse, and the need to modernize consumer protections. The bill is cosponsored by Rep. Stephanie Bice (OK-05).

The bill has been endorsed by Families United Against Inhalant Abuse, California Medical Association, American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, and Peace Officers Research Association of California.

View the bill text here.

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