TikTok bans phrase ‘Galaxy Gas’ amid spike in teen nitrous oxide use
Teens in the US have been getting high on ‘Galaxy Gas,’ and it is becoming a huge problem.
FILE: Galaxy Gas. Picture: Walmart
Clarence Ford speaks with Barbara Friedman about this and other stories trending online.
Listen to the interview in the audio below.
‘Galaxy Gas’ is a canister of nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, that is intended to be used for cooking purposes.
The manufacturing company produces this gas to help cream and other products get into a ‘whipped’ state.
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The gas is sold in different flavours and teenagers are inhaling it to get high.
On social media, people have posted pictures of these canisters being sold in various smoke shops in the United States.
The problem has gotten so severe that TikTok has banned the search term ‘galaxy gas’ and the Galaxy Gas company has warnings on its website.
“When you search the term 'Galaxy Gas' on TikTok, it directs you to a helpline and resources on the effects of substance misuse.”
- Barbara Friedman, Digital Content Editor
TikTok users have been trying to find a way around this to show the use of this drug online, according to Friedman.
The use of nitrous oxide can cause psychosis and even be fatal.
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.