Floor SpeechBipartisan2026-06-30

DANGERS OF NITROUS OXIDE

DefenseTechnologyVeterans

Context

On 2026-06-30, Representative Kevin Mullin (D-CA-15) delivered a floor speech titled "DANGERS OF NITROUS OXIDE" in the House.

Full Text

DANGERS OF NITROUS OXIDE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [House] [Page H4331] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] DANGERS OF NITROUS OXIDE (Mr. Mullin of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about nitrous oxide--a deadly inhalant that is being sold to consumers online and in stores across the U.S. Put yourself in the shoes of a parent who just received the worst news of their life: your child has suddenly become unable to walk. They have blood clots around their lungs, or, tragically, they have lost their life, and it is all because they got addicted to inhaling nitrous oxide they bought legally off the shelf from their corner store or online in bulk. While grieving the unimaginable, you are left asking: How did this happen? That is what Julia Charleston was thinking when her 34-year-old son, Robert, a military veteran, died after becoming addicted to nitrous oxide. Often called laughing gas, nitrous is probably something you have heard about at the dentist, but it is extremely dangerous to inhale without medical supervision. Even a single use can cause debilitating side effects, like neurological damage or even death. This is a growing problem. Mr. Speaker, 14 million Americans say they have misused nitrous oxide, and fatalities from nitrous oxide misuse have increased by 578 percent in the past decade. Despite these risks, nitrous oxide is being marketed as a carefree party drug, with names like ``galaxy gas'' or ``baking bad,'' in giant, brightly-colored canisters and flavors. This is clearly targeting both kids and adults for recreational use. Meanwhile, the smaller canisters, like this one, are pervasive at music concerts, college campuses, parks, and beaches. Social media videos of people using nitrous have glamorized and fueled this deadly trend, and DUI nitrous cases are putting everyone in harm's way. Right now, it is incredibly easy to buy nitrous oxide at smoke shops, gas stations, and online. I was even able to purchase nitrous oxide canisters and have them shipped directly to the U.S. Capitol, no questions asked. Congress must act to protect people from this dangerous and deadly inhalant. That is why I introduced the bipartisan Nitrous Oxide Safety Act to ban the sale of nitrous oxide to consumers and close the loophole that is being exploited. While there are legitimate reasons for doctors, dentists, businesses, and industry to use this chemical, it has no business being sold in stores or online. That is what my bill would prevent, regardless of whether it has a warning label. It has been reassuring to see some States start to act, but we need Federal legislation to address this truly interstate problem. No more parents should have to experience the devastation of losing a child to nitrous oxide. ____________________

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DANGERS OF NITROUS OXIDE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [House] [Page H4331] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] DANGERS OF NITROUS OXIDE (Mr. Mullin of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. MULLIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about nitrous oxide--a deadly inhalant that is being sold to consumers online and in stores across the U.S. Put yourself in the shoes of a parent who just received the worst news of their life: your child has suddenly become unable to walk. They have blood clots around their lungs, or, tragically, they have lost their life, and it is all because they got addicted to inhaling nitrous oxide they bought legally off the shelf from their corner store or online in bulk. While grieving the unimaginable, you are left asking: How did this happen? That is what Julia Charleston was thinking when her 34-year-old son, Robert, a military veteran, died after becoming addicted to nitrous oxide. Often called laughing gas, nitrous is probably something you have heard about at the dentist, but it is extremely dangerous to inhale without medical supervision. Even a single use can cause debilitating side effects, like neurological damage or even death. This is a growing problem. Mr. Speaker, 14 million Americans say they have misused nitrous oxide, and fatalities from nitrous oxide misuse have increased by 578 percent in the past decade. Despite these risks, nitrous oxide is being marketed as a carefree party drug, with names like ``galaxy gas'' or ``baking bad,'' in giant, brightly-colored canisters and flavors. This is clearly targeting both kids and adults for recreational use. Meanwhile, the smaller canisters, like this one, are pervasive at music concerts, college campuses, parks, and beaches. Social media videos of people using nitrous have glamorized and fueled this deadly trend, and DUI nitrous cases are putting everyone in harm's way. Right now, it is incredibly easy to buy nitrous oxide at smoke shops, gas stations, and online. I was even able to purchase nitrous oxide canisters and have them shipped directly to the U.S. Capitol, no questions asked. Congress must act to protect people from this dangerous and deadly inhalant. That is why I introduced the bipartisan Nitrous Oxide Safety Act to ban the sale of nitrous oxide to consumers and close the loophole that is being exploited. While there are legitimate reasons for doctors, dentists, businesses, and industry to use this chemical, it has no business being sold in stores or online. That is what my bill would prevent, regardless of whether it has a warning label. It has been reassuring to see some States start to act, but we need Federal legislation to address this truly interstate problem. No more parents should have to experience the devastation of losing a child to nitrous oxide. ____________________