CAVEAT – We have seen several instances of youth in Canada engaging in ‘dusting.’ As for ‘whippets,’ while this trend is growing in popularity among youth in the U.S., it hasn’t yet become as widespread here. However, trends from the U.S. often make their way to Canadian youth eventually, especially when linked to online challenges like the “Chroming Challenge” (1) where dusting and whippets might be used. Knowledge, along with the ability to apply it, is a powerful tool for prevention!
Parents, caregivers, and educators are often the first line of defense when it comes to keeping our children safe from harmful behaviors. While many are aware of traditional substance abuse risks (drugs and alcohol), newer trends involving the misuse of everyday household and school items are gaining alarming popularity among young people across North America. Two particularly dangerous practices that have become more popular with teens – inhaling compressed air from dusters (commonly known as “dusting” or “huffing”) and inhaling nitrous oxide (often referred to as “whippets”) are putting teens at risk of serious, even life-threatening health consequences.
Back when Darren was in high school in the 1980s, inhaling products to get a brief 15-20 second high, known at the time as “popping,” involved substances like contact cement, Pam cooking spray, or liquid Rush. Today, similar behavior involves canned air products used to clean computer parts and keyboards (referred to as “dusting”) and Nitrous oxide (known as “whippets”). Last year, we shared that a school that we presented at had to lock up their compressed air dusters because teens were stealing them for inhalation abuse.
Dusting
“Dusting,” is the act of inhaling compressed air from computer air dusters, which are widely available in homes, schools, and workplaces. Teens abuse these products to get a quick 15-20 second high. Canned air products, used to clean computer parts and keyboards, contain a gas called difluoroethane, which, when inhaled, can cause euphoria, disorientation, and even unconsciousness.
Difluoroethane is highly toxic. When inhaled, the gas replaces oxygen in the lungs, leading to oxygen deprivation. This can cause immediate dangers like asphyxiation, loss of consciousness, or even death. Additionally, repeated exposure can cause long-term damage to the brain and nervous system, leading to seizures, hallucinations, and mental health issues like depression and anxiety. (2)(3)(4)
According to a study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the prevalence of inhalant use, which includes canned air, is highest among adolescents aged 12-17 (5). Moreover, the study revealed that inhalant use is linked to an increased risk of depression, suicidal ideation, and substance use disorders.
Whippets
“Whippets” may sound like a breed of dog or a type of treat, but in the world of teen substance abuse, the term refers to the misuse of nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas.” (6) While nitrous oxide is used safely in medical and culinary settings, when misused for recreational purposes, it creates a brief but dangerous high that can last 1-2 minutes.
Teens typically obtain nitrous oxide from small metal cartridges, often sold for whipped cream dispensers that can easily be purchased online here in Canada and the USA (7)(8), or even in stores like London drugs (9) , Canadian Tire (10), as well as smoke shops (11). Teens will use a device called a “cracker” (12) to release the gas into a balloon, which they then inhale. (13) This practice, also known as “ballooning,” deprives the brain of oxygen, leading to euphoria and disorientation. Some companies are now providing mouth inhaling pieces that attach directly to a N20 tank. However, the lack of oxygen can also result in dizziness, confusion, and even long-term brain damage. (14)
Is Nitrous Oxide Legal in Canada?
Nitrous oxide is regulated under Canada’s Food and Drugs Act (15) and not the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (16) and is legal to purchase for legitimate uses, such as in food preparation or for medical purposes. However, under section C.01.036.1 of the Food and Drugs Act, it is prohibited to “sell, or advertise for sale, nitrous oxide to the general public.” This creates a legal gray area when it comes to selling nitrous oxide. For instance, a store that’s specializes in kitchen supplies who sell canisters of nitrous oxide for culinary purposes would fall within the Food and Drugs Act. We would suggest that smoke shops that have no connection to the culinary arts, but sell nitrous oxide, would likely fall outside of the spirit of the Canadian Food and drug Act. However, we could not find any cases that supports or disapproves of this opinion.
It is also important to note, enforcement of this regulation does not fall under the police, as it is not a criminal matter. Instead, the Health Products and Food Branch Inspectorate is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Food and Drugs Act, except for food-related products, which are regulated by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.(17)
Both dusting and Whippets are appealing to teens for a few reasons:
- Nitrous oxide cartridges for whipped cream dispensers and canned air products used to clean electronics are readily available in many homes and schools or easily purchased legally online. Teens can access them without suspicion, making these items an easy target for misuse.
- Both whippets and dusting offer a quick, intense high that lasts only a few seconds to a couple of minutes. The brevity of the experience makes it seem less harmful to users, but the risks are incredibly high.
- Platforms like TikTok have contributed to the popularity of these practices, with users sharing videos of themselves engaging in whippets or dusting. Social media amplifies the spread of such dangerous trends, making it even more critical for parents to stay informed and vigilant.
The short-lived high from dusting and whippets may seem appealing to teens, but the health consequences are severe:
- Whippets (Nitrous Oxide): Long-term use can lead to nerve damage, memory loss, and oxygen deprivation, which can cause permanent brain damage. In extreme cases, prolonged use can result in heart attack or death.
- Dusting (Compressed Air): Inhaling difluoroethane causes severe oxygen deprivation, which can result in respiratory arrest, seizures, and even death. Prolonged use can damage the brain and nervous system, leading to chronic headaches, confusion, and hallucinations.
Warning Signs to Look Out For
Parents, caregivers, and educators need to be alert to the warning signs that a child might be engaging in these dangerous practices. Some red flags include:
- Dusting:
- Empty cans of compressed air in the trash or in a child’s room.
- Unexplained chemical smells on clothing or in the air.
- An excess of canned air products at home or school.
- Rags or cloths with chemical odors or residues.
- Whippets:
- Small metal cartridges in trash cans or lying around in unusual places.
- Balloons that seem out of place.
- Frequent use of whipped cream canisters without any culinary reason.
- paraphernalia like a “cracker”
What Can Parents and Educators Do?
- Understanding the risks associated with dusting and whippets is the first step. Talk openly with your child about the dangers, making sure they understand that these substances can cause permanent damage or even death.
- Keep nitrous oxide cartridges and canned air products out of easy reach. Schools may even consider locking away these items if they are at risk of being misused by students.
- If you notice unusual behavior or find objects associated with inhalant abuse, such as empty canisters or balloons, address the situation immediately.
- Encourage your children to talk to you about any pressures they may feel to try substances, whether from peers or through social media. Creating an open, non-judgmental space can help your child feel comfortable discussing risky behaviors before they happen.
Trends like dusting and whippets are always evolving. Stay updated on new risks and be proactive in learning about substance abuse trends that could affect your child.
The rise of dusting and whippets shows how easily accessible household products, or those legally purchased online, can become dangerous tools for teens looking to get high. While the effects of these substances are fleeting, the health risks are serious and potentially deadly. By staying informed, securing potentially dangerous products, and keeping open lines of communication, parents and educators can play a vital role in preventing these risky behaviors. Awareness is key to keeping your children safe from the harmful and growing trends of inhalant abuse.
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References:
1/ https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/what-is-chroming-viral-tiktok-trend-explained-2160629/
2/ https://www.tandfonline.com/…/00952990.2019.1657880…
3/ https://people.com/…/aaron-carter-cause-of-death…/
4/ https://journals.lww.com/…/Fatal_Cardiac_Arrhythmia…
5/ https://nida.nih.gov/…/inhalants/what-scope-inhalant-abuse
6/ https://www.amazon.com/CREAM-N2O-Nitrous-Whipped-Strawberry/dp/B0CTHPZGQH?th=1
7/ https://www.vancouverisawesome.com/events-and-entertainment/nitrous-laughing-gas-addict-1935272
9/ https://www.londondrugs.com/ico-n2o-chargers—8gms%2F10-pack/L0170751.html
11/ https://deltanewsstand.com/product-category/scales-torches-accessories/nitrous-oxide-gas/
12/ https://www.amazon.ca/Laughing-opener-wholesale-nitrous-cracker/dp/B07W9DSDLD
13/ https://youtu.be/OLBOjH_-zpM?si=USn65KzbJSzz2a6x
14/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33770366/
