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Party with gas, play with fire: the dangerous renaissance of ‘whippets’ in the music scene

BBG News

In November, it was sadly reported that Bob Bryar, a 44-year-old ex-drummer from the emo group My Chemical Romance, was discovered deceased at his residence in Tennessee.

Months after Bryar’s passing, an autopsy suggested a potential cause related to his death – three containers of nitrous oxide discovered near his body, with tubing still connected, indicating possible inhalation use.

Nitrous oxide, a versatile substance used in medical, industrial, and culinary settings, can also serve as a recreational drug when inhaled. The Bedford County Medical Examiner’s office in Tennessee expressed concerns about whether Bryar’s death was due to an intentional or accidental overdose, given the presence of nitrous oxide equipment. However, Bryar’s exact cause of death remained undetermined because of the advanced state of decomposition.

Experiencing Bryar’s passing left me, as a dedicated fan of My Chemical Romance and their masterpiece “The Black Parade,” feeling uneasy. Yet, it sparked concerns within me regarding potential misuse of nitrous oxide in today’s music scenes.

In everyday language, this compound is commonly referred to by recreational drug users as “whippets,” “balloons,” “hippie crack,” or “Galaxy Gas,” borrowing a name from a popular brand. Lately, several prominent musicians in the rap and R&B genres have voiced concerns about the harmful effects of nitrous oxide within their communities.

Instead of focusing solely on newer threats like fentanyl, it’s important to also consider the potential resurgence of an overlooked substance as a cause for concern among festival attendees. The Los Angeles City Council has suggested banning its sale, but is this approach the most efficient way to ensure user safety?

According to Mitchell Gomez, the head of the organization focused on reducing drug-related harm called DanceSafe, there’s an increasing trend of nitrous oxide usage becoming more prevalent. He explained this rise by pointing out various factors such as new flavors, varying sizes, and diverse delivery methods available in the market. However, Gomez emphasized that while these trends exist, it’s important to consider the complexities. In an ideal world where we could ban it and eliminate its availability altogether, a prohibition might be reasonable. But unfortunately, we don’t live in such an ideal world.

Music

According to TMZ, the scene revealed that Bryar had three big tanks filled with nitrous oxide alongside him, along with connected tubing.

As a cinephile captivated by the history of cinema, let me share a fascinating tidbit: Nitrous oxide, popularly known as laughing gas, was first concocted in the late 1700s. By soaking iron shavings in nitric acid and heating it up, we managed to produce this peculiar gas. Intriguingly, it temporarily alters the way brain neurotransmitters communicate – usually for less than a minute unless constantly inhaled. The effects, such as a dreamy elation accompanied by mild hallucinations, were swiftly observed. For many decades, it was a preferred party pastime among England’s elite, who adored hosting “laughing gas parties.” However, its real claim to fame came when it was adopted for use in medical settings as an anesthetic and pain reliever.

Nitrous oxide is utilized in industries to boost the performance of internal combustion engines and serves as a propellant for food items such as whipped cream. The firm Galaxy Gas offers various flavors including mango smoothie and vanilla cupcake for these applications. (The company did not respond to requests for comment.) You can find metal containers for this purpose in local vape stores or online. However, major retailers like Amazon and Walmart have stopped listing them more recently.

This month, the Food and Drug Administration has issued a fresh caution about the harmful effects of breathing in nitrous oxide. These products are available as both unflavored and flavored nitrous oxide cylinders, often marketed as a propellant for whipped cream or culinary use. Using them for anything other than their intended purpose, such as intentional inhalation, can result in severe health complications, even death.

A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2022 found it challenging to determine the extent of Nitrous Oxide (N2O) usage, yet suggested a rising trend. Furthermore, the research on potential harm from N2O and strategies for harm reduction is scarce. However, recreational use of nitrous oxide has gained popularity among the youth.

According to Dr. Brian Hurley, who is the medical director of the bureau of substance abuse prevention and control at the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, it’s important to take into account both short-term and long-term risks when using nitrous oxide, as there are potential drawbacks associated with its use.

During the process of inhaling nitrous oxide, it can lead to feelings of lightheadedness and detachment as if one is not fully present in their body, according to Hurley. This sensation might cause individuals to become disoriented, experience blurred vision, loss of balance, nausea, chest pain, headaches, vomiting, and temporary memory loss.

Prolonged utilization might result in a lack of Vitamin B-12, causing a decrease in white blood cells and anemia. Meanwhile, the quicker danger arises when individuals, frequently isolated, connect tubing apparatus to ingest greater quantities of the gas.

Hurley stated that when someone uses nitrous oxide with a mask and passes out, there’s no system in place to check their oxygen levels. People can die from suffocation as they’re not receiving any oxygen. They appear to be breathing, but they’re actually inhaling nitrous oxide. Since they’re anesthetized, they’re unable to react and remove the mask on their own. This is different from overdosing on opioids where the respiratory function slows down, but rather because of the anesthesia effect that prevents them from accessing oxygen.

In California, it’s illegal to buy nitrous oxide for the purpose of inhalation. Those caught doing so could end up spending six months in prison or paying a fine of up to $1,000.

Regardless, nitrous oxide has been widely used in music and festival scenes for many years. At jam band concerts, it’s not uncommon to see fans using balloons filled with nitrous oxide. Major events such as Glastonbury have outlawed this substance for quite some time, while Coachella prohibits aerosol items and drug-related paraphernalia. However, in recent times, nitrous oxide has gained a new following on social media platforms like TikTok, where influencers market nitrous equipment or demonstrate its exhilarating, disconnecting effects.

The Black music community in particular, has started to push back on the substance’s popularity.

I can’t help but wonder if no one else is concerned about the sudden, widespread marketing of Galaxy gas to black children, as SZA pointed out on X in September. She even shared a study from Yale’s school of medicine. It seems like the government isn’t taking any action, and it’s concerning that we’re now selling whip-its in stores. Someone should look out for our kids.

In that very same month, the rap artist Lil Gnar shared a video titled “Using Galaxy Gas,” accompanied by the caption. He proceeded to spray from the container’s nozzle before tossing it carelessly into a gas station waste bin.

2022 found rapper Kanye West, now known as Ye, making an unusual comment during a tribute for Sean “Diddy” Combs at the BET Awards: “I recently visited the dentist and was under nitrous oxide. I’d recommend it to anyone feeling stressed.” A year prior, Milo Yiannopoulos, a conservative commentator who had previously served as West’s chief of staff, submitted an affidavit to the FBI and California Dental Board alleging that employees at all levels of the company were concerned about West’s reliance on nitrous oxide. He claimed that West frequently discussed his use of the gas in meetings and appeared to be using it frequently.

Other enthusiasts have musicians such as Lil Uzi Vert, who was featured in a video consuming nitrous oxide on social platforms. In one of his recent songs titled “We Good,” he rapped about his nitrous use, saying, “They said I was lost” and “I thought they considered me dead / I was on that NOS.

It can be challenging to determine whether nitrous oxide is gaining more popularity or simply becoming more noticeable among individuals involved in harm reduction within the drug and music scenes. As Laura Guzman, executive director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition, states, “It’s uncertain if this is a new trend, but what we do know is that there has been a transformation in the choice of party drugs.” There seems to be a transition occurring among young adults, with fewer opting for alcohol and cocaine, and more using ketamine and psychedelics such as mushrooms instead.

For concert promoters who have effectively addressed opioid overdoses, there might be a need to reconsider the use of nitrous oxide by fans. “What we’re advocating for is open discussions about health in any social setting,” Guzman stated. “Avoid using it alone or in potentially dangerous locations. Never cover your head with plastic bags or obstruct breathing. Use it only in well-ventilated areas, not enclosed spaces without fresh air. Try to refrain from consuming alcohol or other drugs simultaneously. Take breaks to breathe fresh air.

California

The LA City Council is thinking about tightening regulations on the unlawful distribution of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as “laughing gas,” which is employed in cooking, manufacturing, and healthcare settings.

Local governments have explored a blanket ban on retail sales in Los Angeles.

Towards the end of last year, the Los Angeles City Council, by a 14-0 majority, requested their city attorney to propose ways to enforce a prohibition on the retail sale of nitrous oxide within Los Angeles. This action was inspired by similar restrictions implemented previously in Rialto.

Last year, Councilmember Imelda Padilla stated that Nitrous Oxide, currently a popular substance, has become increasingly addictive, dangerous, and surprisingly easy to obtain at cigarette and smoke stores scattered throughout the city.

In California, it’s legal for adults aged 18 and above to buy nitrous oxide, but they can’t inhale it after purchase. However, this law is tricky to implement because stores like smoke shops and liquor stores can still sell these products. Research indicates that adding flavors and vibrant packaging to such substances significantly contribute to their appeal among young people, leading to initiation and continued use.

I, as someone who advocates for harm reduction, share the concerns of experts that a retail ban on nitrous oxide might not effectively prevent abuse and could even lead to more dangerous consequences. Instead of buying a flavored food product from a secure retail outlet, users might seek out potentially harmful industrial alternatives laced with toxic heavy metals. Moreover, they could use it in private settings where suffocation risks are higher due to the lack of proper ventilation.

Gomez remarked that making it unlawful to sell the item seems rather improbable due to its effective enforcement. He suggested increasing the cost for consumers and limiting availability, but if it’s made illegal, those selling it are by nature criminals. In contrast, if it remains legal, issues like problematic batches can be recalled, and actions can be taken against companies that market towards minors or engage in deceptive practices.

He went on to say, “This drug was widely used during the 1800s for a good reason, and I’m skeptical about the possibility of enforcing a ban because this substance is produced in such vast amounts for legitimate industrial purposes. It’s simply too straightforward to divert it.

Nitrous oxide might not carry the same public health concerns as opioids, but it’s deeply ingrained in today’s social gatherings, dating back centuries. Hurley suggests that high-profile deaths and worries expressed by artists could serve as a platform for more impactful public health communications.

He stated, “It appears that we’re experiencing surges of consciousness.” He explained, “When significant figures pass away, there’s often an influx of attention towards the issue of substance abuse related to inhalants, as it pertains to the health and welfare of our community.

As a moviegoer putting it, “I’m convinced that folks don’t consider using nitrous oxide from a food product canister as a healthy choice, but I do sense they believe the risk is minimal. Our aim is to enlighten our community about the risks involved with nitrous oxide, so everyone can make educated decisions.

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2025-03-25 13:31

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