February 3, 2026 | 09:25 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Agil Wahyu Wicaksono, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Nutrition at IPB University in Indonesia, warned the public about the dangers of misusing Whip Pink, which contains nitrous oxide (N2O) gas. According to him, using this gas beyond its intended purpose can have serious health consequences, even leading to death.
Whip Pink is a canister containing high-pressure N2O gas used to propel cream in whipped cream containers. Besides its culinary uses, 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 a companion anesthetic for 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 a vital role in maintaining nerve health," Agil said in a written statement on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
As a result, he said, the body cannot carry out important processes needed to maintain nerve health. "This disorder causes damage to the protective layer of nerves, or myelin, in both the central nervous system and peripheral nerves," he said.
Agil added that this damage can cause various symptoms, such as tingling, weakness, balance disorders, and nerve damage due to impaired blood flow.
Based on various scientific reports, the most common nerve disorder resulting from N2O abuse is damage to the spinal cord, particularly the part responsible for sensation and balance. "The more frequently this gas is used excessively, the greater the risk of nerve damage," he said.
In addition to nerve disorders, he said, N2O also affects the vascular system. Agil said the gas can cause blood vessel muscles to relax, causing them to dilate. "If excessive amounts occur, blood pressure can drop drastically and cause severe headaches, dizziness, and weakness," he said.
He also mentioned that N2O can react with other substances in the body to form highly reactive and dangerous compounds. These compounds can damage cells, trigger inflammation, and cause cell death. "Furthermore, N2O can inhibit the function of mitochondria, which produce cellular energy, resulting in decreased energy production and risk of cell death, especially nerve cells," he added.
Furthermore, this gas can also alter hemoglobin in the blood, making it unable to bind oxygen optimally. This condition can cause the skin to appear bluish and body tissues to experience oxygen deprivation.
Agil said that Pink Whip is often abused as a "recreational substance" because N2O can induce feelings of pleasure, euphoria, and hallucinations, hence the name "laughing gas." However, he emphasized that inhaling N2O without medical supervision is extremely dangerous and can cause death, especially if used in large quantities or too frequently. In some cases, repeated use can also lead to dependency.
He urged that Pink Whip be used according to its intended use. "Pink Whip should be used as intended, for example in the culinary world. Do not use Pink Whip as a 'self-anesthetic' without a doctor's recommendation and supervision. The use of N2O gas for medical purposes should only be carried out by a doctor," he added.
He also reminded people not to use Pink Whip in culinary preparations near flammable objects and to ensure they breathe fresh air to ensure adequate oxygenation.
Previously, police were reportedly investigating the origin of a Whip Pink gas cylinder in the apartment of Instagram celebrity Lula Lahfah. Police found the empty gas cylinder in the room of Lula's household assistant, identified as A, during the crime scene investigation.
Police have not yet found any proof of purchase of the laughing gas in Lula's name. "We still don't have proof of purchase. However, investigators are investigating the source of the shipment," said Head of Public Relations for the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Senior Commissioner Budi Hermanto, on Friday, January 30, 2026.
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