用於休閒娛樂的吸入劑在1950年代在美國興起，並在青少年中廣泛流行。其毒性已成為新的健康議題。吸入一氧化二氮(笑氣)後，可通過肺泡微血管迅速吸收散佈到全身，導致神經系統效用。一氧化二氮相關的神經功能障礙與維生素B12含量減少有關。急性和慢性一氧化二氮中毒，將引起中樞神經系統障礙，肺和心血管損害，包括肺炎，呼吸困難和心律不整。一氧化二氮引起的神經病變的治療包括停用一氧化二氮，補充維生素B12，蛋氨酸和接受血漿置換術。

Inhalants for recreational use in the United States rise in the 1950s and is widespread among adolescents now. The main use of inhalants is for entertainment. After inhalation, nitrous oxide can be rapidly absorbed into the blood through the alveolar capillaries and act neurologic effect. Nitrous oxide related neurologic dysfunction was related to serum vitamin B12 levels decline. Acute and chronic nitrous oxide intoxication will lead to central nervous system(CNS), pulmonary and cardiovascular damages including confusion, pneumonitis, dyspnea and arrhythmia. The treatment of nitrous-oxide induced neuropathy can be alleviated by ceasing nitrous oxide use, vitamin B12 supplements.