KERRVILLE, Texas — The Kerrville Police Department issued a warning to parents about the dangers of “Galaxy Gas” posing a health risk to young people.
Officials say “whippets,” or inhalant drugs, featured in hundreds of videos being shared to social media have potentially deadly consequences and are growing increasingly popular among teens.
The use of the so-called galaxy gas is described by authorities as “inhalant abuse,” – when people huff nitrous oxide (N2O) to get high. The drug can cause psychosis and in some cases, it can be lethal.
The use of whippets causes brain cells to die as a result of oxygen deprivation known as hypoxia and brain damage can be permanent, according to officials.
The cheap and easily available pressurized cartridges are brightly-colored and made in flavors designed to appeal to young people. Officials say Galaxy Gas is the common term for N2O products on social media as viral videos show young people inhaling the gas to get high.
TikTok has reportedly banned the search term “Galaxy Gas” and the company that sells the product has even issued a warning on its website.
In a Facebook post from the Kerrville Police Department, parents are urged to talk with their children about the dangerous trend and its potentially lethal consequences.
