There is growing concern by many in the medical profession, government, and industry about an increase in the abuse of nitrous oxide. The abuse has become enough of a problem that a number of states have enacted legislation that makes unauthorized use of nitrous oxide illegal. Theft of cylinders from suppliers and medical sources has made nitrous oxide available to many people, in many cases young, school-age people, who are unaware of the hazards of handling and using nitrous oxide but are seeking the euphoric qualities of the gas. The abuse of nitrous oxide can impair an individual's ability to make and implement life-sustaining decisions and can cause death by reducing the oxygen necessary to support life.This bulletin is not an attempt to list all the possible dangers in the handling and use of nitrous oxide. It is an alert to producers; commercial carriers; container fillers; distributors; and legitimate medical, commercial, and industrial users about the misuse and abuse of nitrous oxide, so they can take effective steps to help prevent theft or improper use.