dr Agil Wahyu Wicaksono, MBiomed, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition at IPB University, warned the public about the dangers of misusing Whip Pink or whippets containing nitrous oxide (N2O) gas. According to him, the use of this gas outside of its intended purpose can have serious health consequences and even pose a risk of death.
Whip Pink is a small tube or cartridge containing high pressure N2O gas used as a propellant for whipped cream dispensers. In addition to its culinary applications, N2O is also used in the medical field as an anesthetic to help reduce pain during certain medical procedures, such as invasive procedures, childbirth, or as an adjunct to general anesthesia.
“Excessive or improper use of N2O gas can be harmful to the body. The toxic effects of this gas occur because N2O damages the function of vitamin B12 in the body, which plays an important role in maintaining nerve health,” explained dr Agil.
As a result, he said, the body cannot carry out the important processes needed to maintain nerve health. “This disorder causes damage to the protective layer of the nerves or myelin, both in the central nervous system and the peripheral nerves.”
dr Agil added that this damage can cause various complaints, such as tingling, weakness, balance disorders, and nerve damage due to disrupted blood flow.
Based on various scientific reports, the most common nerve disorder resulting from N2O abuse is damage to the spinal cord, especially the part that plays a role in sensory function and body balance.
“The more often this gas is used excessively, the greater the risk of nerve damage,” he said.
In addition to nerve damage, N2O also affects the vascular system. Dr Agil explained that the gas can cause blood vessel muscles to relax, causing the blood vessels to dilate.
“If this occurs excessively, blood pressure can drop dramatically, causing severe headaches, dizziness, and weakness,” he explained.
He also mentioned that N2O can react with other substances in the body and form highly reactive and dangerous compounds. These compounds can damage cells, trigger inflammation, and cause cell death.
“In addition, N2O can inhibit the work of mitochondria as cell energy producers, thereby reducing energy production and putting cells, especially nerve cells, at risk of death,” he added.
Not only that, this gas can also alter hemoglobin in the blood so that it is unable to bind oxygen optimally. This condition can cause the skin to appear blue and the body’s tissues to experience oxygen deficiency.
dr Agil said that Whip Pink is often misused as a “recreational drug” because N2O can cause feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and hallucinations, making it known as “laughing gas.”
However, he emphasized that inhaling N2O without medical supervision is very dangerous and can cause death, especially if used in large amounts or too often. In some cases, repeated use can also lead to dependence.
He urged that Whip Pink be used for its intended purpose. “Whip Pink should be used as intended, for example in the culinary world. Do not use Whip Pink as a “self administered anesthetic” without a doctor’s recommendation and supervision. The use of N2O gas for medical purposes should only be done by a doctor,” he said.
Additionally, he reminded that the use of Whip Pink in culinary applications should not be done near flammable objects and recommended inhaling fresh air to ensure the body receives sufficient oxygen. (dh) (IAAS/HNY)
