Can You Die from Pure Nitrogen Gas?

Understanding the Potency of Nitrogen

While the term pure nitrogen gas may seem harmless, it can be incredibly dangerous when inhaled as a substitute for oxygen. Nitrogen, a key component of the air we breathe, typically makes up about 78% of the atmosphere. However, in laboratory conditions, achieving 99.99% pure nitrogen gas is not only achievable but, as we will see, potentially deadly.

Fatal Levels of Nitrogen

Our bodies require a constant supply of oxygen to function properly. When the oxygen percentage in air drops below single digits, even in the presence of a completely non-toxic gas such as nitrogen, it becomes a deadly asphyxiant. This is because, unlike carbon dioxide, we do not sense a lack of oxygen. Instead, our bodies are acutely sensitive to even minute increases in carbon dioxide levels. While high CO2 concentrations can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing, the insidious nature of nitrogen gas means that you may pass out from anoxic conditions before any distress is felt.

Comparison with Other Inhalants

In comparison with other gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbon monoxide (CO), the danger of nitrogen can be more subtle but equally fatal. CO2, in high concentrations, can cause a violent gag response and significant pain due to carbonic acid, much like the stinging sensation from a carbonated beverage. On the other hand, CO does not displace oxygen grossly but instead binds to hemoglobin in the blood, preventing it from carrying oxygen effectively, leading to suffocation and death over a prolonged period.

What Happens if You Take a Bath with Nitrogen?

A curious scenario often arises: what happens if you take a bath while wearing a mask that allows you to inhale nitrogen gas? Would you drown despite the mask, or would the gas protect you from drowning?

The Dangers Inside a Liquid Environment

The answer is unequivocally yes, and you would face immediate peril. A single breath of nitrogen gas will not only rob your lungs of oxygen but also extract oxygen from the blood, rendering it unusable within mere minutes. According to the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, nitrogen gas, despite being non-toxic, can quickly result in death when inhaled. In one of their reports, they emphasize the dire consequences of nitrogen displacement causing asphyxiation. This process can occur so rapidly that brain cells may begin to die from lack of oxygen in as little as one minute.

Historical Precautions and Scare Stories

In industrial settings, it is crucial to follow strict procedures when dealing with nitrogen. Chemical companies often conduct courses and use mice to test vessel atmospheres before allowing human entry. Tales of disorientation in as little as 12 seconds, unconsciousness in 30 seconds, and death soon thereafter have been documented. These stories highlight the terrifying and swift nature of nitrogen’s impact on the human body.

Conclusion

The danger posed by pure nitrogen gas underscores the importance of safety protocols in both industrial and domestic settings. Whether you are planning a controlled experiment or simply breathing, maintaining a proper oxygen level is essential to avoid the silent killer that is anoxic gases like nitrogen.