OTTAWA: Health Canada has issued a recall for nearly a dozen unauthorized nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) products, citing serious health and safety risks. These products are being illegally marketed and sold for recreational use, which is highly dangerous.
The recalled products, sold under brand names such as Bamboozle and Gold Whip, were being offered in various flavors, including Lemon Mint Ice, Strawberry, and Passion Fruit.
While nitrous oxide is safely used by health professionals for medical purposes like anesthesia and pain relief, its use for recreational inhalation is extremely hazardous.
Health Canada has strongly warned against inhaling nitrous oxide products for recreational purposes and advises anyone who has used these products and is experiencing health issues to seek immediate medical attention.
The potential adverse effects of misusing these products include:
- Neurological Damage: Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Cardiovascular Issues: Heart attack and stroke
- Cognitive Impairment: Loss of consciousness
- Organ Dysfunction: Birth defects and impaired function of the bowel and bladder
Nitrous oxide is often found in cream dispensers and other food preparation equipment, but it should never be inhaled from these devices. Illegally sold nitrous oxide is commonly known by street names such as:
- Whip-Its
- N₂O
- Hippie Crack
- Nangs
The agency is continuing its efforts to remove these unauthorized and dangerous products from the market.
