While the name may be unfamiliar to people outside of Australia and New Zealand, it is quite well-known in those countries.
“Nang” is the most common term for the baking equipment “cream chargers” that contain nitrous oxide, a gas that utilised with a cream dispenser/ whipper / cracker allows the creation/alteration of cream to whip cream – also allows the user to enhance and infuse N2O with beverages & more.
However, the contents, Nitrous oxide has been around for much longer and had other uses before it was commonly used for the baking aspects of the gas, most notably used as an anesthetic since the 1800s and is still used for this purpose today in dentistry and childbirth.
N20, the contents in Nangs, is also used in race cars to increase engine power (nos) and as a propellant for whipped cream, cooking sprays, and aerosol products.
What Are Nangs Called Outside Australia?
Other names for nangs or other N2O products include whippets, whip-its, whippersnappers, bulbs, chargers and nos.
What Is Nitrous Oxide?
A whipped cream charger, or nang, is most commonly made out of thinly rolled steel and comprises a bulbous end and a narrower dispensing end. The most common-sized chargers are about 6cm long and 1.8cm wide, with 2mm thick walls.
The most common chargers contain 8 grams of nitrous oxide and create a pressure of 30 pounds per square inch when they are discharged. Alongside this, the charger itself becomes freezing cold upon discharge and so chefs must be careful not to touch the chargers directly in order to avoid freeze burns and frostbite.
What Can You Use Nangs For?
Nangs, or whipped cream chargers, can be used for a whole variety of different purposes.
Nangs Legality Per Country
Nangs are legal in many places around the world, including Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States (depending on the state), Canada, and New Zealand.
In the United Kingdom, nangs are legal to import and sell – and are regulated under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.
In Canada, nangs fall under the category of ‘non-controlled products’ and are legal to import & sell.
In New Zealand, nangs are not specifically mentioned in legislation but are considered legal to import & sell.
In the United States, in most states nangs are legal to import and sell, however, in some states it is illegal.
Other countries that legislate the sale of nangs include France, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Are Nangs Illegal in Australia?
Nangs are not illegal in Australia.
Although they are heavily regulated.
The importation of nangs is also regulated, and all imported products must be labeled with their correct name, strength, and quantity.
There are a number of reasons why nang ownership and use are regulated in Australia.
Firstly, they contain the chemical compound nitrous oxide (N2O), which can have harmful effects on people’s health if used incorrectly.
Secondly, nangs can be misused, for example, by inhaling the N2O contents using the partnered baking products, eg. Cream Dispenser.
This can lead to serious health problems when done in extreme excess such as seizures, brain damage, and neuropathy damage.
There are further laws and regulations surrounding the sale, distribution, and use of nangs in Australia which can be found on the Australian Government’s website.
Also, it is important to know that Nangs in Australia are prohibited for sale to those under the age of 18 & to someone who suggests they’ll misuse the product.
If you are caught selling nangs to someone under the age of 18 or to someone who suggests they’ll misuse the product, you can face a hefty fine or imprisonment.
Is Misusing Nangs Dangerous?
Yes. The misuse of nangs comes with various short term and long-term effects.
Research suggests that the following side effects of the misuse of nangs are as the following:
What Are the Short-Term Effects of N2O consumption?
The short-term effects of using nitrous oxide can vary depending on the dose, method of use, and individual factors. However, some of the common short-term effects of nitrous oxide use can include:
Euphoria: Nitrous oxide can produce a sense of euphoria and relaxation, often described as a “floating” or “dreamlike” sensation.
Dizziness: Nitrous oxide can cause dizziness, light-headedness, and sometimes fainting.
Impaired judgement and coordination: Nitrous oxide use can impair judgement and motor skills, making it difficult to perform tasks that require coordination.
Tingling and numbness: Nitrous oxide can cause a sensation of tingling or numbness in the fingers and toes.
Auditory and visual hallucinations: In some cases, nitrous oxide can cause auditory and visual hallucinations, including distorted sounds and colours.
Nausea and vomiting: Nitrous oxide use can cause nausea and vomiting, particularly when used in large quantities or in combination with other substances.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of N2O consumption?
The long-term effects of nitrous oxide can vary depending on the frequency and duration of use, as well as individual factors such as age and overall health, they are detrimental. These are the possible long-term effects of nitrous oxide use/misuse of nangs include:
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Chronic nitrous oxide use can lead to a depletion of vitamin B12, which can cause nerve damage, numbness, and tingling in the fingers and toes.
Anaemia: Prolonged nitrous oxide use can also lead to a type of anaemia known as megaloblastic anaemia, which is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B12.
Cognitive impairment: Some studies suggest that long-term nitrous oxide use can cause cognitive impairment, including memory loss, attention deficits, and other cognitive problems.
Neuropathy: Nitrous oxide can cause damage to the nerves, resulting in symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and tingling in the arms and legs.
Respiratory problems: Chronic nitrous oxide use can cause respiratory problems, including chronic cough, bronchitis, and even pneumonia.
Addiction: Like many other drugs, nitrous oxide can be addictive, and frequent use can lead to tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms.
Another thing to be cautious about is the misuse of the gas for an extended period without inhaling fresh air. This can lead to hypoxia, meaning having low oxygen levels in your bloodstream.
Overall, DO NOT misuse cream chargers, if used in the kitchen to prepare whipped cream, alcohol infusions, nangs are perfectly safe but should be used with caution to avoid cold burns.
Final Remarks
Across the world, nangs are very popular, the baking product is utilised by big franchise companies (starbucks), local cafes, bars, and home kitchens.
While the negative side of misuse of the baking products including Nangs, has led to some places outright banning it to consumers and most putting legislation to try to keep it out of the wrong hands.
We believe anyone or company should do their due diligence to ensure their customers are using their products for intended purposes – although the outright restriction of the sale of nangs, would be a big shame for the people and companies who utilise the product for the intended purposes, furthermore, it would be a dangerous precedent to be set for government regulation on a market.
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