What Is Galaxy Gas? Here Is A Dangerous Trend Among Young People

Forbes - Feb 1st, 2025

The misuse of nitrous oxide, marketed under the brand Galaxy Gas, has become a concerning trend among teenagers and young adults. Originally intended for culinary use to whip cream, these cartridges are now being inhaled for recreational highs, often showcased in social media videos. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube are taking steps to curb these videos due to the dangerous effects of nitrous oxide inhalation, which can cause serious health issues such as oxygen deprivation to the brain, hallucinations, and long-term organ damage. Despite warnings and efforts to limit access, the trend persists, raising alarms among health officials and influencers.

Nitrous oxide misuse is not new, with a long history of recreational use among adolescents. A 2017 report highlighted the prevalence of inhalant use, with nitrous oxide being a common substance. Efforts to regulate and reduce access include age restrictions and legal measures, but enforcement remains challenging. The easy availability due to legitimate uses in food and medicine complicates the issue. Celebrities have joined the conversation, urging more awareness and education to prevent potential harm. Parents are encouraged to discuss the risks with their children to curb this growing trend.

Social Media Nitrous Oxide Galaxy Gas Teens Inhalant Abuse Health Risks

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RATING

6.8

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article effectively highlights the issue of nitrous oxide misuse, particularly among young people, and its promotion through social media. It accurately outlines the health risks associated with this practice, making it a valuable piece for raising public awareness. However, it lacks depth in sourcing and transparency, which could be improved by citing specific studies or authoritative statements. The use of humor and informal language makes the article engaging and readable, though it may not fully convey the seriousness of the issue to all audiences. Overall, the piece serves as a timely and relevant contribution to discussions on youth substance abuse, with room for more detailed exploration of the topic's complexities.

Accuracy

The article accurately describes the misuse of nitrous oxide, specifically through products like Galaxy Gas, and its popularity on social media platforms. It correctly identifies the health risks associated with inhaling nitrous oxide, such as oxygen deprivation leading to dizziness and potential long-term neurological damage. These claims are supported by existing literature on nitrous oxide abuse. However, it could benefit from more precise data, such as specific statistics on usage trends or more detailed descriptions of social media platform responses, to enhance factual precision.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the negative aspects of nitrous oxide misuse, which is appropriate given the subject's health risks. However, it briefly mentions legitimate uses of nitrous oxide in medical and culinary contexts. The piece could enhance balance by providing more context on these legitimate uses and the measures being taken by companies and authorities to prevent misuse, offering a fuller picture of the issue.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and easy to understand, with a conversational tone that makes complex health information accessible. It uses humor and relatable language to engage readers, which helps in explaining the risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse. However, the informal tone might detract from the seriousness of the issue for some readers.

Source quality

The article does not explicitly cite specific sources or studies, which limits its credibility. While it references actions by companies and social media platforms, these claims are not directly attributed to official statements or reports. Including direct quotes or references from health organizations, law enforcement, or academic studies would strengthen the reliability of the information presented.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not explain how the information was gathered or provide links to original data or studies. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for readers to verify the claims independently. Greater disclosure about the sources of information and how conclusions were reached would enhance the article's transparency.