N20 Safety Notice
1. Warning: Birth Defects and Reproductive Harm
Whipped cream cartridges often contain nitrous oxide, a chemical that the State of California recognizes as a potential cause of birth defects or reproductive harm. As a result, it is crucial to handle these cartridges with care and strictly adhere to their designated use for food purposes only. Inhaling the nitrous oxide present in whipped cream charger refills can have severe and irreversible consequences on your health, including death. It is important to note that United Brands, the manufacturer, cannot be held liable for any injuries or fatalities resulting from the misuse of their products.
2. Handling Instructions and Safety Precautions
Given that whipped cream chargers are pressurized, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions diligently to ensure your safety. Never attempt to pressurize a whipped cream dispenser with more than one charger at a time, as this can lead to hazardous situations. It is crucial to remember that these chargers are non-aerosol and made of recyclable steel. Each cartridge typically contains 8 grams of Nitrous Oxide (E942) under pressure, with a gross weight of 28 grams. They are not to be pierced, disposed of while full, or taken onboard an aircraft. Always store them out of reach of children, as they pose an explosion risk at temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.
3. Recycling and Disposal
Whipped cream chargers, made of 100% recyclable steel, can be safely placed with other recyclables such as tin cans for collection. However, it is crucial not to dispose of unused cartridges, as they may still contain nitrous oxide. To ensure responsible disposal, consult local guidelines or recycling facilities for proper handling.
4. Medical Implications of Nitrous Oxide Use
Nitrous oxide, historically used in medicine since 1844, continues to find application in dental procedures as an adjunct to local anesthetics. When administered through a gas inhaler, nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen allows dentists to precisely control the dosage. However, it is important to note that the abuse of nitrous oxide as a street drug carries potential risks. While the level of dependence on nitrous oxide is generally lower than that of other drugs, chronic abusers often develop emotional dependencies that can be highly detrimental to their well-being.
Inhaling nitrous oxide can lead to various harmful side effects. One of the most common is the suppression of the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12. Additionally, the release of super-cooled gas from the charger itself can cause severe injuries, such as burns to the face, nose, lips, tongue, and throat. While death resulting from nitrous oxide use is rare, it is most likely to occur when individuals attempt to inhale the gas from a bag or balloon covering their head, inadvertently causing asphyxiation.
5. Legal Information
In the United States, the possession of whipped cream chargers, specifically the nitrous oxide contained within them, is considered legal. However, it's important to note that these products, which have the potential to impact food safety, are subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While the possession of whipped cream chargers is generally legal, there are restrictions in place regarding the possession and use of devices commonly referred to as "crackers" or any other tools specifically designed for opening whipped cream chargers. Several states have outlawed the possession of these devices, and the sale of such items is also prohibited.
Whipped cream cartridges often contain nitrous oxide, a chemical that the State of California recognizes as a potential cause of birth defects or reproductive harm. As a result, it is crucial to handle these cartridges with care and strictly adhere to their designated use for food purposes only. Inhaling the nitrous oxide present in whipped cream charger refills can have severe and irreversible consequences on your health, including death. It is important to note that United Brands, the manufacturer, cannot be held liable for any injuries or fatalities resulting from the misuse of their products.
2. Handling Instructions and Safety Precautions
Given that whipped cream chargers are pressurized, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions diligently to ensure your safety. Never attempt to pressurize a whipped cream dispenser with more than one charger at a time, as this can lead to hazardous situations. It is crucial to remember that these chargers are non-aerosol and made of recyclable steel. Each cartridge typically contains 8 grams of Nitrous Oxide (E942) under pressure, with a gross weight of 28 grams. They are not to be pierced, disposed of while full, or taken onboard an aircraft. Always store them out of reach of children, as they pose an explosion risk at temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.
3. Recycling and Disposal
Whipped cream chargers, made of 100% recyclable steel, can be safely placed with other recyclables such as tin cans for collection. However, it is crucial not to dispose of unused cartridges, as they may still contain nitrous oxide. To ensure responsible disposal, consult local guidelines or recycling facilities for proper handling.
4. Medical Implications of Nitrous Oxide Use
Nitrous oxide, historically used in medicine since 1844, continues to find application in dental procedures as an adjunct to local anesthetics. When administered through a gas inhaler, nitrous oxide mixed with oxygen allows dentists to precisely control the dosage. However, it is important to note that the abuse of nitrous oxide as a street drug carries potential risks. While the level of dependence on nitrous oxide is generally lower than that of other drugs, chronic abusers often develop emotional dependencies that can be highly detrimental to their well-being.
Inhaling nitrous oxide can lead to various harmful side effects. One of the most common is the suppression of the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12. Additionally, the release of super-cooled gas from the charger itself can cause severe injuries, such as burns to the face, nose, lips, tongue, and throat. While death resulting from nitrous oxide use is rare, it is most likely to occur when individuals attempt to inhale the gas from a bag or balloon covering their head, inadvertently causing asphyxiation.
5. Legal Information
In the United States, the possession of whipped cream chargers, specifically the nitrous oxide contained within them, is considered legal. However, it's important to note that these products, which have the potential to impact food safety, are subject to regulation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
While the possession of whipped cream chargers is generally legal, there are restrictions in place regarding the possession and use of devices commonly referred to as "crackers" or any other tools specifically designed for opening whipped cream chargers. Several states have outlawed the possession of these devices, and the sale of such items is also prohibited.
Furthermore, numerous states have enacted laws that criminalize the inhalation or consumption of nitrous oxide, as well as the possession of nitrous oxide with the intent to use it as a street drug. Minors are typically prohibited from purchasing or possessing nitrous oxide in most states. It's worth mentioning that the FDA plays a crucial role in regulating the labeling and distribution of nitrous chargers. The sale of nitrous oxide for the purpose of human consumption as a street drug is considered a crime under these regulations.
What is Proposition 65?
Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. These chemicals can be in the products that Californians purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. By requiring that this information be provided, Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about their exposures to these chemicals.
Proposition 65 became law in November 1986, when California voters approved it by a 63-37 percent margin. The official name of Proposition 65 is the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.
Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. These chemicals can be in the products that Californians purchase, in their homes or workplaces, or that are released into the environment. By requiring that this information be provided, Proposition 65 enables Californians to make informed decisions about their exposures to these chemicals.
Proposition 65 became law in November 1986, when California voters approved it by a 63-37 percent margin. The official name of Proposition 65 is the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986.