Malang, en.SERU.co.id – The misuse of dinitrogen monoxide (N₂O), also known as laughing gas, is becoming increasingly common and poses life-threatening risks. This gas, intended strictly for controlled medical and culinary applications, can disrupt oxygen supply when inhaled unsupervised. Experts warn that the brief euphoric effects can escalate to respiratory failure and sudden death.
The ‘Laughing Gas’ Effect Is Far More Dangerous Than Imagined
Dr. Shonif Akbar, SpAn-TI, an anesthesiologist and intensive care specialist at Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM) Hospital, stressed that N₂O is not safe for recreational purposes. In medical settings, its use is tightly controlled, precisely dosed, and always monitored by professionals.
“The whipped cream propellant contains N₂O, popularly called laughing gas. It triggers the release of endorphins, mimicking morphine’s effects and producing mild euphoria and comfort. This sensation often makes people underestimate the lurking physiological dangers,” Dr. Shonif emphasized on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
He explained that in medicine, N₂O is never used alone. It is always mixed with oxygen and other anesthetics in carefully calculated doses to provide pain relief (analgesia) and anxiety reduction (anxiolysis).
“All usage occurs in operating rooms with continuous monitoring of breathing, blood oxygen levels, and circulation. The major problem arises when people inhale 100% pure N₂O without any oxygen mix—and especially without medical oversight,” he asserted.
According to Dr. Shonif, N₂O diffuses rapidly and fills empty spaces, including the lungs. When inhalation stops, the gas diffuses back out and accumulates in the lungs, preventing oxygen from entering the bloodstream.
“This leads to a drastic drop in blood oxygen saturation, or desaturation. Within minutes, it can cause loss of consciousness, respiratory distress, and cardiac arrest. The risks are even higher for those with undetected heart or lung conditions,” he clarified.
Beyond short-term effects, repeated N₂O abuse threatens long-term health by disrupting vitamin B12 metabolism, which is crucial for nerve function.
“Prolonged exposure can result in nerve pain, muscle weakness, and gradual paralysis. Because symptoms appear gradually, many users remain unaware of the accumulating physical damage,” he added.
The widespread use of whip pink cartridges or N₂O highlights poor public health literacy. Social media often downplays risks, portraying it as a legal and harmless product, which trivializes a potentially fatal practice.
BNN Warns of Laughing Gas Dangers Trending on Social Media
National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Head, Commissioner General Pol. Suyudi Ario Seto, noted that N₂O is a colorless, non-flammable gas at room temperature. While not classified as a narcotic, its abuse remains extremely hazardous.
“N₂O is not intended for recreational consumption. The euphoria is fleeting, but the risks can be fatal and permanent. Repeated exposure can cause severe vitamin B12 deficiency and irreversible nerve damage,” he stated.
BNN urged greater public vigilance in recognizing abuse forms, such as inhaling from small canisters, cartridges, or balloons. Parents should closely monitor their children’s social circles and report illegal N₂O distribution to BNN or police via hotline 184 or local authorities.
BPOM Stresses N₂O Disrupts Blood Oxygen Supply
Head of Indonesia’s Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM), Taruna Ikrar, affirmed that repeated nitrous oxide exposure can lead to dizziness, nerve issues, and organ damage. The public must stop viewing whip pink as a casual experiment.
“The momentary euphoria is not worth the risk of losing your life. Medical gases like N₂O should only be handled by trained professionals under strict supervision,” Ikrar concluded. (aan/rhd)
