Nitrous oxide has long been used in dentist offices.

Researchers found nitrous oxide-related fatalities in the U.S. spiked 578% in 14 years.

The FDA issued an advisory in March regarding teens abusing cannisters, tanks and chargers of nitrous oxide by inhaling the gas, previously known as whippets.

The rainbow of canisters littered the home's second floor, hidden from the sight of Christopher Boone's mother, on a bitter cold day in January 2025.

Shawnna Boone had seen a colorful cylindrical container once before. A year earlier, Christopher, then 34, was sitting in his living room, an eye-catching can with a white nozzle tucked into the couch, partially hidden beside him.

Shawnna didn't know inside the can was a flavored gas called nitrous oxide that, when inhaled, caused short highs.

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