The increasing prevalence of nitrous oxide abuse at concerts and public events is raising significant health concerns. A recent incident at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre highlighted this troubling trend, where concertgoers were seen inhaling nitrous oxide from balloons before a performance by The String Cheese Incident. This misuse of the gas, commonly associated with party atmospheres, is becoming more widespread, prompting warnings from health professionals about its potential dangers.
At the concert on July 19, 2025, attendees casually inhaled nitrous oxide, often referred to as “laughing gas,” from pastel-colored balloons, a practice that is increasingly common among young adults. One concertgoer, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of professional repercussions, described the experience as “stupid” and “funny for about 30 seconds.” Vendors were present in the parking lot, selling balloons filled with nitrous for prices ranging from $10 to $30.
While nitrous oxide is legally sold for culinary and medical purposes, it is illegal to use for recreational reasons. Shireen Banerji, director of Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety, cautioned that inhaling the gas can lead to severe health issues, including asphyxiation, seizures, and even death. Reports indicate that misuse can result in brain damage and other serious conditions, highlighting the risks associated with recreational use.
According to data from the Drug Abuse Warning Network, emergency room visits linked to nitrous oxide abuse increased by 32% from 2019 to 2023. Alarmingly, deaths due to hypoxia, or oxygen deprivation, resulting from nitrous oxide misuse surged by 110% in the same period. A 2024 report from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicated that approximately 13 million people in the United States have experimented with nitrous oxide for recreational purposes.
The rise in nitrous oxide usage is further fueled by social media, where posts glorifying the substance have garnered millions of views. Companies like Galaxy Gas and Monster Gas have contributed to the trend with vibrant branding and marketing efforts aimed at a young audience.
Despite the growing concern, many users remain dismissive of the associated health risks. A group of concertgoers at Red Rocks expressed indifference towards the potential side effects, viewing the experience as harmless fun. “We do it for the ‘whomp whomp’,” one woman stated while preparing to inhale.
Health experts are increasingly worried about the normalization of nitrous oxide use in social settings, as it appears to be leaking into mainstream culture beyond concert venues. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued renewed warnings this year regarding nitrous oxide, citing an increase in reports of adverse health events following inhalation.
As nitrous oxide abuse becomes more prevalent, especially among younger populations, cities like Aurora, Colorado, are responding by considering stricter regulations. Local officials have noted the under-regulated nature of nitrous oxide sales, which often overlap with illegal drug markets.
Security measures at venues like Red Rocks have not effectively curtailed nitrous use. While concert security may patrol parking lots, reports show that enforcement of laws against nitrous sales is minimal. During a recent series of concerts by Phish, security officials confiscated 61 tanks of nitrous oxide but issued only one citation related to its use.
The impact of nitrous oxide on concert culture has drawn criticism from artists and performers. Khalil Simon, who leads the street music group Brothers of Brass, shared that the excessive presence of nitrous vendors has detracted from the concert experience. He noted that the vendors have effectively overshadowed other performers, making it difficult for musicians to engage with audiences.
As public awareness of the dangers associated with nitrous oxide continues to grow, health officials emphasize the importance of education and prevention strategies. Banerji encouraged anyone with questions about nitrous oxide to reach out to Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug Safety for guidance.
With the ongoing rise in nitrous oxide abuse, concertgoers and communities alike must reconsider the implications of this trend and prioritize safety in social settings.
