by Norma Chew

Created on: February 15, 2009   Last Updated: February 21, 2009

Nitrous Oxide is also called Laughing Gas because it brings on euphoria or mirth on inhalation. Nitrous Oxide is colorless, odorless and is the only inhalation anesthetic agent that is not a vapor but a true gas by definition. Joseph Priestly, an English scientist and clergyman was the first to discover nitrous oxide in 1772. Priestly is also famous for isolating other gases such as oxygen, carbon monoxide, ammonia and sulfur dioxide.

Uses of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide is a mild sedative and an analgesic gas commonly used as an anesthesia to relax patients during dental procedures. After the procedure patients recover quickly from the effects of nitrous oxide. Usually a patient is administered oxygen at the end of the procedure to further counteract the effects of the nitrous oxide.

In the dairy industry; nitrous oxide is used as a mixing foaming agent in the production of whipped cream; because of its non-flammable and bacteriostatic (stops the growth of bacteria) characteristics.

In auto racing nitrous oxide is injected into the fuel line of racing cars to give more power to the engines and to give the cars extraordinary acceleration.

Nitrous Oxide is also used to prepare divers for the effects of nitrogen narcosis. Nitrogen narcosis is an affect on the brain of gaseous nitrogen that occurs to divers who go below 100 FSW( feet of salt water) due to the laws of partial pressures. Nitrogen is the gas that causes the bends also called decompression sickness.

Nitrous oxide is identified as an emitter of green house gas that adds to global warming.

Nitrous oxide has also been used as a recreational drug. There are dangers in using nitrous oxide as a recreational drug such as:

It can cause one to become disoriented resulting in falling, tripping and even tipping over in a chair.

Nitrous oxide also permeates the fatty tissues in the body, therefore it can out-gas into your gut or middle ear and cause severe pain.

Nitrous oxide can be become emotionally habit forming.

In addition nitrous oxide abuse can cause:

Nausea

Oxygen deprivation.

Loss of motor control.

Vitamin B 12 interferenc and folic acid interference.

Is Nitrous Oxide use Illegal?

In the United States nitrous oxide is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The laws in each state differs regarding the use of nitrous oxide. Check the laws specific to your state and abide by them.

"Pregnant women should not use or handle nitrous oxide because studies with pregnant mice and rats exposed to nitrous oxide have been linked to birth defects." Health line

Like the elements of fire and water; nitrous oxide is of great value to society but can be destructive in other instances. Lets use it only to our advantage.

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