What is Galaxy Gas?: The dangerous effects of inhaling flavored whip cream chargers

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The company named “Galaxy Gas” has gained attention on social media for selling flavored Nitrous Oxide & Whipped Cream Chargers.

However, influencers have made it popular online for reasons outside of its culinary purposes. Inhaling nitrous oxide outside of a medical setting isn’t new.

People have been doing it to get high for decades. It also goes by the street name “Whippits.”

Court documents said Whippit’s could be a possible factor in a New Year’s Eve crash on Brimhall Road in Southwest Bakersfield back in 2021. Adam Teasedale crashed into a center divider, killing three of his friends in the back seat.

Alice Hutchings, the mother of one of the victims, had her life changed forever that night.

“Usually when I text my son he’ll always say ‘I’m around the corner and it hurts because he literally was. Yep, found right around the corner,” Hutchins said.

Long term medical issues can arise when abusing nitrous oxide.

“There’s so many side effects of using it just one time, using it multiple times, there’s a reason why it’s an anesthetic. We use it in dental procedures, medical procedures. They even used to use it in labor and delivery. It’s something that requires monitoring. It’s something that requires oxygen use afterwards … it’s very dangerous to use outside of that,” Family medicine physician Dr. Puja Vithalani said.

Galaxy Gas does not condone inhaling their products. The company even went as far as putting a disclaimer on their website that reads: “It is illegal to purposely inhale our product. WE DO NOT CONDONE ILLEGAL USE OF OUR PRODUCTS.”

The website also states, “We know that there’s long term damage with consistent use so we know that it can cause nerve damage… kids could potentially complain about tingling in their hands or their feet.”

If you believe your child has been using the substance, experts say to have an open, nonjudgmental conversation with your child about the dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.