Between 2010 and 2023, at least 1,240 Americans died from nitrous oxide exposure. Deaths increased 578% over that period, from 23 per year to 156 per year. Poison center cases rose 1,332% over 22 years. There is no federal agency responsible for regulating the recreational sale of N₂O, no national tracking system for injuries, and no state in the Southeast with comprehensive data on the problem within its own borders.
SC RESEARCH BRIEFING
South Carolina-specific data on N₂O deaths, enforcement, and regulatory gaps. Documents the near-total absence of state-level data and the weakness of proposed penalties under S.751.
1,240
US N2O DEATHS (2010–2023)
578%
INCREASE (23 → 156/YR)
1,332%
POISON CENTER INCREASE
$100
S.751 MAX FINE
South Carolina has virtually no publicly available state-specific data on nitrous oxide injuries, deaths, usage, enforcement, or supply chain.
The complete pipeline from Chinese manufacturing to American consumers, documenting how N₂O moves through federal blind spots at every step. Six federal agencies with partial authority; none with clear responsibility.
95%
OF US N2O FROM CHINA
790
SHIPMENTS (12 MONTHS)
78%
YOY IMPORT GROWTH
86%
PERMANENT IMPAIRMENT AFTER MYELOPATHY
Six federal agencies have partial authority over nitrous oxide. None has clear regulatory responsibility. The FDA issued two consumer advisories in 2025 naming 15 brands. No import alerts, product seizures, or enforcement actions followed.
Also available: The GA Research Briefing documents Georgia as the Southeast distribution hub and the Galaxy Gas corporate footprint operating out of Kennesaw, GA.