Dangerous Acts Going Viral on TikTok: The Trap of "Legal Drugs" Indicated by a 578% Increase - The Surge in Nitrous Oxide Inhalation and Its Impact

1. Introduction - "Laughter" Turns Deadly

According to a UPI report dated the 2nd, deaths from nitrous oxide abuse in the United States have increased by 578% over 13 years. The research team analyzed 14 years of CDC death certificate data, concluding that the number of cases rose from 23 in 2010 to 156 in 2023.Medical Xpress

2. Background - TikTok Fuels the "Easy Legal Drug"

Nitrous oxide is essential for medical sedation and whipped cream production, but when inhaled from metal cartridges into balloons, it provides a few minutes of euphoria. During the pandemic, videos of home parties spread, and hashtags like <#Whippets> and <#Nangs> surged on TikTok. Cultural site Veriheal also reports, "A quick scroll will find countless 10-second videos of people in ecstasy from nitrous inhalation."Veriheal

3. Voices from Social Media - "Legal Doesn't Mean Safe"

On X (formerly Twitter), the official HealthDay account posted a warning tweet stating, <“Nitrous oxide deaths spiked by more than 500%”>, which recorded thousands of reposts.X (formerly Twitter)
Meanwhile, the Illinois Poison Center warned, "Whipped cream cartridges are easily abused, leading to increased emergency transports."X (formerly Twitter)
In the reply section, voices such as:

• "I thought it was safe because it was legal, and that scares me."

• "My sister developed nerve damage and can't walk. We need sales regulations."

• "Is it self-responsibility if used for recreation? If minors are involved, it's society's responsibility."
  are lined up.

4. Clinical Data - Spinal Cord Injury, Cardiac Arrest, Vitamin B12 Deficiency

In a paper commentary published in Medical Xpress, long-term abuse is reported to cause demyelination of the posterior columns of the spinal cord, leading to inability to walk, and cases of acute inhalation leading to asphyxia, arrhythmia, and hypoxic brain injury resulting in instant death. The younger the age group, the stronger the misconception of "legal" and "short-term high," increasing the danger.Medical Xpress

Additionally, Gizmodo points out, "Since 2018, the annual death toll has plateaued at a high level but continues to rise."Gizmodo

5. Legal Gaps - Varied Regulations by State

The Network for Public Health Law highlights examples such as:

• Florida: Felony for sales over 16g

• Louisiana: Ban on sales for non-medical and non-industrial use

• Oregon: Ban on direct inhalation device sales to those under 18
  while raising the issue of "no federal regulation."Network for Public Health Law
  However, online sales easily cross state borders, limiting the effectiveness of current laws.

6. Expert Interview - "Now Is the Time to Act While the Numbers Are Small"

Dr. Andrew Yockey, the lead researcher from the University of Mississippi, states, "You might think 156 cases a year is small, but looking at the curve's slope, you can't stay silent." He adds, "Cartridges with blueberry flavor are even on the market, clearly targeting minors."Medical Xpress

7. International Comparison - UK's Strengthened Regulations and the "Underground Market" in Tourist Areas

In the UK, as of October 2023, nitrous oxide was classified as a Class C drug, making possession and supply generally illegal. However, in tourist areas like Mallorca, a "whack-a-mole" situation is reported, where "club sales are banned → street balloon vendors proliferate."The Sun

8. Voices of Those Involved - Bereaved Families and Former Abusers

Boston 25 News reported on the case of a 24-year-old woman named Ellen who inhaled over 200 cartridges a day and died suddenly. Her mother sued manufacturers and retailers, stating, "The legal loophole killed my daughter."Instagram
Meanwhile, a video (YouTube) from a former user who recovered from addiction contains candid testimony: "I intended to use just one, but it grew to 100, and my senses became numb."

9. Measures and Recommendations

1. Nationwide age restrictions and mandatory sales logging

2. Automated warning displays and purchase limits on B2C sites

3. Early education for schools and families

4. Introduction of harm reduction measures like B12 supplement distribution

5. Display restrictions and awareness ads by SNS platforms

10. Conclusion - "Harmless" Is Now Past Tense

For just a few minutes of "laughter," more young people are suffering lifelong aftereffects or losing their lives. It's not about legality but about how we build a culture that faces risks—the choices of SNS, legal systems, and each of us are being tested. Now is the time to act to prevent the "tragedy of nitrous oxide" from becoming a future reality.

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