Kean Demands Answers About Sale of Nitrous Oxide

(July 23, 2026) WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) sent a letter to corporations currently selling nitrous oxide, urging that they remove nitrous oxide from retail sale until they can verify that their purchasers are using the product for legitimate purposes.

Nitrous oxide used recreationally presents a danger to the American public. The abuse of nitrous oxide can lead to symptoms such as headaches, nausea, vomiting, agitation, depression, psychosis, fainting, hypoxia, heart attack, nerve damage, hypotension, memory loss, muscle spasms, numbness, birth defects, paralysis, and even death. In 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an advisory, warning consumers not to inhale the product.

"I have received letters and phone calls from several constituents across our district about the availability of nitrous oxide canisters at your stores or on your platforms," said Congressman Kean. "The sale of nitrous oxide at your retailers presents a dangerous risk to the American public - especially children and young people." 

On Wednesday, Congressman Kean spoke in the Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade subcommittee hearing about the dangers of nitrous oxide. Watch HERE.

Read the full letter HERE.

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