GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — New data from the Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center says recreational use of nitrous oxide has risen drastically over the last several years.

The MiPDC says calls reporting adverse health effects increased 533% from 2019 to 2024. Emergency response calls have risen 553% and visits to the emergency room are up 757%.

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, the chief medical executive of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, says nitrous oxide use — or “laughing gas” — is clearly in the middle of a surge.

“The drug landscape is constantly changing and the increases in nitrous oxide misuse are concerning, given the widespread availability of the produce and the increase in multiple substance use,” Bagdasarian said in a news release. “It is crucial tha

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