Teens Are Inhaling ‘Galaxy Gas’ to Get High, but What Is It?

A new can of nitrous oxide has become a popular inhalant

• Teenagers are inhaling canisters of nitrous oxide sold under the brand name Galaxy Gas

• The brightly colored canisters are used to make airy whipped creams, but can cause “life-threatening health complications” when inhaled

• The manufacturer has paused direct sales on its website, and TikTok has proactively banned related search terms, redirecting users to a substance support page

Teens are getting high by inhaling canisters of nitrous oxide — specifically one called Galaxy Gas.

The legitimate use of the gas, which is manufactured by a culinary supply company, is to create whipped cream and other airy food and beverage products. It is packaged in brightly designed canisters, also called chargers.

Nitrous oxide is commonly used as an inhaled sedative tool in medical procedures, the Cleveland Clinic explains. When used safely and under medical supervision, it can help a patient feel calm and relaxed.

However, nitrous oxide can also cause a euphoric high when inhaled, as the National Library of Medicine points out, which leads to its nickname, "laughing gas."

Using nitrous oxide outside of a medical setting, the Cleveland Clinic says, can lead to long-term ”serious and potentially life-threatening health complications” that include nerve damage, heart attack, low oxygen, and low blood pressure.

And those who use it regularly are more prone to depression, psychosis, and memory loss.

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The gas has become so popular that TikTok has banned the search term “Galaxy Gas." When searched, users are directed to a warning page saying, “Be informed and aware. Some substances can be dangerous when used or misused. Learn more about how drugs, alcohol and tobacco can affect your mind, body and behavior.”

They are then redirected to a page on how to find support for substance abuse. The platform has also banned the term “nitrous oxide.”

As a TikTok spokesperson tells PEOPLE, the platform does not allow videos that show drug use — and this includes nitrous oxide.

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On the website of Galaxy Gas, it says, “It is illegal to purposely inhale our product. By shopping on this website you agree to our Terms of Service. WE DO NOT CONDONE ILLEGAL USE OF OUR PRODUCTS. You must be over the age of 21 to view/order from this website. WARNING if used improperly or in ways not intended to be used such as inhaling, it can lead to hypoxia. DO NOT INHALE.”

Visitors to Galaxy Gas’s website are also greeted by a pop-up that reiterates this warning: “It is unlawful for a person to purchase products containing nitrous oxide for any purpose not intended herein and legally authorized. By purchasing products containing nitrous oxide you expressly agree and warrant your possession and use shall be legally compliant and strictly limited to culinary food preparation as lawfully intended and for no other purpose. You acknowledge and agree this [is] a material condition for purchase of products containing nitrous oxide. Intentional misuse or inhalation of contents is prohibited and poses a serious health hazard.”

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Inhaling commercially available chemicals for a quick high is extremely dangerous. This past spring, a teen died in Australia from “chroming” — known stateside as “huffing” — the chemicals from a spray deodorant can.

And an 11-year-old boy went into cardiac arrest and died in the U.K after "chroming" at a slumber party in March.

And while abusing household canisters — or unmarked silver nitrous cartridges, called “whippets” — isn’t new, Galaxy Gas' brightly colored packaging and playful design have sparked concern over their target audience.

“Sorry to be old n annoying but.. Is no one gonna talk about how galaxy gas came out of no where and is being MASS marketed to black children?” SZA wrote in a post on X, the platform previously know as Twitter. “The government is doing NOTHING ? .. since when are we selling [whippets] at the store ???? Somebody protect the children."

Galaxy Gas has stopped selling its whipped cream chargers on its website, The New York Times reports. PEOPLE has reached out to Galaxy Gas for comment.

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