Health officials with Student Health and WELLWVU are notifying the campus community about a rise in oral and other injuries associated with inhalant abuse.
Student Health and Urgent Care Medical Director Dr. Carmen Burrell noted the clinic has seen an increase in the number of patients with injuries to the mouth and throat caused by “whippets” during the use of inhalants such as nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas.
“Inhaled chemicals can cause immediate and long-term health effects,” Dr. Burrell said. “These include burns to the nose, mouth and throat, damage to the lungs, irregular heart rhythms and neurological problems. Patients should be evaluated immediately if any concerning symptoms are noted.”
According to the Global Drug Survey, nitrous oxide is the third most-used drug after cannabis and cocaine.
What are inhalants and whippets?
According to the National Institute for Drug Abuse, nitrous oxide is a volatile substance that produces vapors that can be inhaled by huffing, chroming or bagging to produce mind-altering effects. Inhalants can be found in hundreds of products, including in gases that are in anesthetics used for medical procedures and in common food dispensing tools such as whipped cream canisters or cooking sprays.
Nitrous oxide is also sold in small vials known as “whippets,” “chargers” or “crackers” that can release vapors into whipped cream, bags or a balloon. Gas released from whippets can cause potential chill burns or frostbite around the mouth, throat and fingers.
Are inhalants harmful?
Laboratory and human research shows most inhalants are extremely toxic as they contain chemicals found in solvents, aerosol sprays and gases that can cause serious health effects, some of which can be fatal. These include:
- Impaired judgment and functioning as well as nausea and vomiting, confusion, dizziness, slurred speech and muscle weakness.
- Potentially fatal effects from chemicals that cause can cause cardiac arrest or suffocation.
- Harm to the brain, mental health disorders, damage to body organs and risk to a developing baby during pregnancy.
Wesley Thomas, WELLWVU senior health educator, noted some people might assume, because it’s legal and used by dentists, that nitrous oxide is a safe drug to use recreationally with whippets.
“In dental practice, nitrous oxide is used in combination with oxygen and other chemicals in a controlled and clinical way,” Thomas, said.
“Whippets only contain nitrous oxide, so inhaling it causes rapid oxygen loss in the brain. That’s what causes the brief high for users. Along with risks of injuries from freezing gas on the mouth, throat or lungs, there’s risk of injury from falls and convulsions from users losing consciousness, and potential for neurological damage as well.”
Thomas reminds the campus community that it’s safest to avoid using whippets or any form of nitrous oxide recreationally, but if people do use them, the gas should always be inhaled from a balloon and never directly from the “cracker,” or tank, and in a space where fall risks are minimized.
Where to get help?
If you suffer a serious injury, go immediately to the closest emergency department. If you need after-hours or urgent care, you can visit a number of WVU Medicine Urgent Care locations.
Student Health walk-ins are encouraged, but appointments are requested for some services. You can request an appointment, see the current operating hours and find directions on the Student Health website.
WELLWVU provides wellness educational resources and programs for students. Student Health can also provide information about the risks of using inhalants and other substances.
The Carruth Center, through the Student Assistance Program, offers an array of services for students with alcohol or other drug concerns, including individual assessment, individual counseling, psychoeducational groups and online educational activities. Students interested in receiving alcohol or other drug counseling can schedule online with the Carruth Center or by calling 304-293-4431.