5 replies to this topic

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

Advisory: PARENT ALERT: Nitrous Oxide



In recent weeks there have been several incidents reported locally and in the national media regarding the illicit use of Nitrous Oxide. Nitrous Oxide is commonly referred to as "Laughing Gas" and has several legitimate uses; including dentistry, auto racing, and in dessert baking.

Nitrous Oxide is most commonly abused in the form of a "whip it". A "whip it" is a commercially sold product which charges (propellant) gourmet whipped cream canisters. They are generally silver metal with a tapered end on one side. The canister resembles a CO2 cartridge for a pellet gun.

When used for illicit purposes, a "whip it" cartridge is placed into a device called a "cracker" which punctures the cartridge and propels the Nitrous Oxide into either a mouth or a balloon for oral ingestion. A "whip it" may cost anywhere from .25 cents to $1 per canister and are usually bought in bulk from legitimate retailers.

Nitrous Oxide creates short term (15 to 30 second) euphoria for the abuser. Users may experience seizures, loss of consciousness, decreases in mental performance, audiovisual ability, and manual dexterity. Long-term exposure can cause vitamin B12 deficiency, numbness, and reproductive side effects.

The ingestion of Nitrous Oxide is illegal in California and punishable as a misdemeanor. Paraphernalia parents should be aware of are "crackers", balloons, empty cartridges, and commercial whipped cream canisters.

Stay diligent parents! Please don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement agency if you need assistance.

[ducky]

Thanks for posting this.

Already talked to our son about it. I wish kids would stop finding ways to kill their brain cells.

[john]

I believe this is what the driver was using when he caused the accident that killed 2 people on Folsom Blvd a few weeks ago.

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

I believe this is what the driver was using when he caused the accident that killed 2 people on Folsom Blvd a few weeks ago.

Yeperino.

[nomad]

Yeperino.

And add Demi Moore to the stupid list as well!

[Deb aka Resume Lady]

Adult should know better. Adolescents and teens too often believe their friends when they're told, "It's safe....go ahead... try it." They tell each other that Hoookah is safe, K2 is safe, binge drinking is safe, nitrous oxide is safe, abusing prescription meds is safe (because after all they are prescribed by a doctor), the choking game is safe... and they blindly go down these roads. Sadly, many don't learn from the tragedies of others, convincing themselves they're smarter or they can handle it.