Nangs, whippets, cream chargers: Hundreds hospitalised across NSW

Hundreds of teens have been hospitalised after huffing nitrous oxide – often referred to as nangs, whippets, balloons or cream chargers. Here’s what parents need to know.

Cream Chargers freely available in convenience stores, petrol stations and online

Over 800 people have been hospitalised after huffing nitrous oxide, also referred to as nangs, whippets or cream chargers, in the last year alone.

A recent NSW health report found a concerning spike in recreational use of the gas, with the majority of users aged 24 and under, so The Daily Telegraph has broken down what parents and young people need to know about inhaling the legal gas.

The nitrous gas is mostly used in clinical settings for pain and sedatives commonly known as ‘laughing gas’, but also for cooking.

It’s legally available for purchase at convenience or petrol stores but is often bought in bulk with same day delivery through encrypted messaging apps.

NSW Health has put forward a series of reforms after data indicated the growing trend in young people, including banning kids under 18 from buying, preventing same day delivery and bulk orders.

Discarded small nitrous oxide canisters and dispenser packaging from the use of the 'legal high' also known as NOS.

Nangs in the gutter along Alice street. Picture: NCA NewsWire / John Gass

Alcohol Drug Foundation Policy and Engagement Manager Rob Taylor, said that while the reforms were “logical” it needs to go hand-in-hand with educating parents and young people.

“It’s important to provide tools for parents to have open Judgement-free communication with their children, so they feel safe to open up,” Mr Taylor said.

Parents can keep an ear out for the sound of air being released or balloons being filled which takes place when the cartridges, known as cream charges, are punctured to be inhaled either directly or through a balloon.

Cream chargers, Nangs, Whippets for sale in Hobart on Gumtree. Picture: GUMTREE.

As well as the clinking sound of canisters in their bag, and any unusual mood changes or sleeping habits.

Rob Taylor said it’s important to put in context, that the number of people using nitrous oxide is fairly low and most will not engage in long-term use.

“You’re not going to see anything specific that points to what is going on,” he said.

You need to try and go into conversation with them in a way that’s safe and open, and not feel like they’re in trouble.”

He says it’s also hard to know the right interventions to put in place due to a lack of data, but there is significant evidence to show that a “just say no” or bans on their own don’t work.