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Study Finds U.S. Nitrous Oxide Deaths Up 578% as Experts Call for Oversight

Widespread sale of flavored canisters outside robust federal rules has allowed recreational misuse to outpace safety alerts

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Overview

  • A JAMA Network Open analysis of 14 years of CDC WONDER data shows nitrous oxide–related deaths rose from 23 in 2010 to 156 in 2023, a 578% increase.
  • Researchers from the University of Mississippi and University of Illinois stress the need for national surveillance after identifying a rapid rise in fatalities.
  • The FDA issued warnings in March and June 2025 listing 15 dangerous nitrous oxide products but has not imposed stricter sales or distribution limits.
  • Easy access to flavored canisters sold online and at gas stations since around 2020 is cited as a key driver of widespread recreational misuse.
  • Several European nations including the U.K., France, Ireland, Denmark and Lithuania have introduced bans or age restrictions that experts say could guide U.S. policy.