History of Abuse

Since its discovery by Joseph Priestley in 1772, nitrous oxide (N₂O) has been used for both medical and recreational purposes. In 1799, Humphry Davy explored its effects and documented the euphoria and intoxication it produced. Soon after, Davy began hosting “laughing gas parties” where he and his colleagues experimented with the mind-altering properties of N₂O. By the early 19^th century, nitrous oxide had become a popular social novelty among British elites, but its medical potential remained overlooked until 1844 when dentist Horace Wells demonstrated its anesthetic properties for dental procedures. This breakthrough paved the way for integration into numerous medical fields.

By the mid-20^th century, recreational use of nitrous oxide began to expand beyond scientific and elite circles. During the 1960s and 1970s, it gained popularity among counterculture movements, particularly among students and artists who inhaled it from medical-grade gas tanks. The introduction of whipped cream chargers (“whippets”) in the 1970s and 1980s made nitrous oxide widely accessible which led to a surge in its recreational use. By the late 1980s, researchers started reporting cases of neurological damage due to prolonged N₂O exposure, particularly from vitamin B12 depletion caused by chronic abuse.

Today, nitrous oxide abuse is common in clubs, music festivals, and online marketplaces with younger demographics, including adolescents and young adults under the age of 26, being the most frequent users. While often considered a low-risk inhalant, prolonged use has been linked to serious neurological impairments and fatalities, prompting discussions on stricter regulations. In response, multiple countries have introduced restrictions. In 2024, the UK criminalized recreational possession of nitrous oxide under the Misuse of Drugs Act which reflected a growing global effort to control its misuse. However, despite increasing regulation, nitrous oxide remains widely available and continues to be a subject of public health and legal scrutiny.

Enhancing Safety Through Advanced Detection

Historically, nitrous oxide detection has been limited to laboratory settings employing optical spectroscopy or gas chromatography. Field detection has remained a challenge due to the lack of portable, highly sensitive detection equipment. As stricter regulations are implemented, law enforcement and emergency responders now face challenges in handling unknown gas samples. Without proper field detection tools, responders must rely on laboratory analyses. This creates unnecessary risks such as transporting pressurized containers, inadvertently inhaling suspect gases, and misidentifying toxic or flammable materials.

Portable FTIR gas and vapor identifiers, such as the XplorIR from 908 Devices, provide a critical solution for real-time, on-site detection of nitrous oxide. This handheld device can identify over 5,600 gases and vapors, including nitrous oxide, within 30 seconds. By detecting gases at part-per-million (ppm) levels, it ensures high sensitivity and precision in forensic and regulatory applications.

For law enforcement, the XplorIR supports drug interdiction, illegal sales monitoring, and forensic investigations, and aides in the enforcement of expanding nitrous oxide regulations. For emergency responders, rapid nitrous oxide detection helps differentiate N₂O intoxication from other substance exposures and enables them to administer appropriate treatment and ensure accurate, timely medical intervention. The portability, durability, and high identification accuracy of the XplorIR make the device an essential tool for identifying nitrous oxide abuse, black market sales, and illicit stockpiles.