Why the Dangerous ‘Galaxy Gas’ Trend Is Gaining Traction on Social Media
4 min read
A dangerous new trend involving the inhalation of nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as the “Galaxy Gas trend,” has gained traction on social media, particularly on TikTok. This trend sees people using whipped cream dispensers filled with nitrous oxide to achieve a brief high, with videos of individuals, including rappers, engaging in the activity. The trend has raised serious health concerns as it becomes more widespread, especially among young people.
What Is the Galaxy Gas Trend?
The term “Galaxy Gas” refers to the brand name of a popular whipped cream charger company. These chargers contain nitrous oxide (N₂O), a gas used to aerate cream into a whipped state. While nitrous oxide is safe and commonly used in the food industry, some individuals have started misusing it for recreational purposes by inhaling the gas to experience a euphoric high.
how to use galaxy gas pic.twitter.com/LySsHOu1hH
— gnarski (@lilgnar) September 18, 2024
The Galaxy Gas brand, founded in 2021, has gained popularity due to its colorful branding and wide availability. Despite the company’s clear warnings on their website that their products are meant solely for culinary use, social media posts have shown people misusing the product. Some rappers and influencers have even glamorized the trend, contributing to its viral spread.
This practice isn’t entirely new; inhaling nitrous oxide has been around for years and is often referred to as “whippets.” The dangerous part about this trend is how easily accessible these whipped cream chargers are, being sold at common retailers such as Walmart and Amazon. Many young people have been drawn to this new form of substance abuse, ignoring the significant risks involved.
🇺🇸 A "laughing #gas #epidemic" is spreading in #America as #young people misuse “#Galaxy #Gas”for its euphoric effects. The gas poses serious #health risks, and despite warnings, it remains widely available. #Social #media protests have called for #political action. pic.twitter.com/yj6FyrmFWr
— Cyrus (@Cyrus_In_The_X) September 16, 2024
Why Is It Dangerous?
While nitrous oxide is safe when used in controlled environments, such as in culinary settings or medical procedures (where it’s used as an anesthetic), inhaling it for recreational purposes can be incredibly dangerous. Medical experts have raised alarms over the trend, warning about the severe health risks associated with nitrous oxide inhalation.
Dr. Puja Vithalani, a family medicine physician, emphasized that nitrous oxide, when used outside of medical supervision, can cause serious harm. Inhaling it directly can result in oxygen deprivation, which may lead to seizures, heart attacks, long-term nerve damage, and loss of coordination. Chronic use of nitrous oxide can also cause permanent neurological issues, including numbness in the limbs and memory problems.
Baby Kia says he doesn’t promote using whippets while hitting one on his IG story… 😭 pic.twitter.com/miJ4Ryp0i9
— ryan 🤿 (@scubaryan_) September 3, 2024
Despite warnings, this trend continues to gain momentum on platforms like TikTok. Searches for “Galaxy Gas” on TikTok now trigger warnings about the misuse of substances, but the trend persists.
The Trend in Hip-Hop Culture
The Galaxy Gas trend has also found its way into hip-hop culture, with some rappers indulging in and promoting the activity. Artists like Baby Kia and Skrilla have been seen inhaling Galaxy Gas on camera, and others have included nitrous oxide references in their music. A lesser-known rapper named Rudekays even released a music video titled “Whippet,” which has gained attention online. These influencers play a critical role in glamorizing the trend, leading to its wider acceptance among young audiences.
However, not everyone in the music community is embracing the trend. Some, like rapper Lil Gnar, have publicly mocked those participating in the trend, while singer SZA took to social media to call attention to the dangerous implications of nitrous oxide misuse. She criticized the mass marketing of Galaxy Gas and warned about its potential harm to young people, particularly in Black communities.
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? the government is doing NOTHING ? .. since when are we selling whip its at the store ???? Somebody protect the children. pic.twitter.com/Aa67ZSpkmU
— SZA (@sza) September 20, 2024
The Galaxy Gas trend is a troubling new fad that poses significant health risks. Inhaling nitrous oxide is not only dangerous but can have long-term consequences, including seizures, heart attacks, and permanent neurological damage. Despite clear warnings from medical professionals and the company behind Galaxy Gas, the trend continues to spread, particularly on social media and within certain music communities.
It is crucial for influencers, entertainers, and social media platforms to take a stand against this dangerous behavior before it causes irreversible harm to more individuals.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
