Inhalation of nitrogen

LCsqS for inhalation of Nitrogen Vesicants are as low as 18 ppm (10 minute exposure). 

Nitrogen is nontoxic and largely inert. It can act as a simple asphyxiant by diluting the concentration of oxygen in air below levels necessary to support life. Inhalation of nitrogen in excessive concentrations can result in dizziness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, and death. 

Most small Hquid helium containers are unpressurized heat leak slowly bods away the Hquid, and the vapor is vented to the atmosphere. To prevent plugging of the vent lines with solidified air, check valves of some sort are included in the vent system. Containers used for air transportation are equipped with automatic venting valves that maintain a constant absolute pressure with the helium container in order to prevent Hquid flash losses at the lower pressures of flight altitudes and to prevent the inhalation of air as the pressure increases during the aircraft s descent. Improved super insulation has removed the need for Hquid nitrogen shielding from almost all small containers. 

Asphysia Asphysia is a lack of oxygen, which interferes with the oxygenation of the blood. This condition is the result of asphyxiation, which can result from a number of factors, such as (1) suffocation/strangulation or (2) inhalation of an asphyxiant, such as 100% nitrogen gas. 

Narcosis Narcosis is a state of deep stupor or unconsciousness, produced by a chemical substance, such as a drug or anesthesia. Inhalation of certain chemicals can lead to narcosis. For example, diethyl ether and chloroform, two common organic solvents, were among the first examples of anesthesia known. Many other chemicals that you would not suspect can also cause narcosis. For example, even though nitrogen gas comprises 80% of the air we breathe and is considered chemically inert (unreactive) it can cause narcosis under certain conditions. Always work with adequate inhalation and avoid inhaling chemical fumes, mists, dusts etc. whenever possible. Use fume hoods and respirators as necessary. 

Implications to Humans. Acidic precipitation has not been observed with concentrations that pose a concern to human exposure. The acidic airborne pollutants in the particulate or gaseous forms such as the oxides of sulphur and of nitrogen, and the associated photochemical oxidant ozone, are inhaled. This may lead to the irritation of the respiratory tract, and subsequently to impaired lung function, aggravated asthma and bronchitis. 

Asphyxiants interfere with the body s oxygen uptake mechanisms. Air normally contains 21% oxygen. Oxygen deficiency in inhaled air, e.g. due to the presence of nitrogen, argon, or carbon dioxide in a confined space, depending on the concentration and duration, may affect the body and ultimately cause death from simple anoxia (Table 4.7). 

Unfortunately, most fatalities in fires occur by inhalation of toxic vapours. These can be carbon monoxide (which arises from incomplete combustion), cyanides (from nitrogen-containing polymers) and chlorides (from chloropoly-mers). These are the adverse consequences of flammable polymer combustion. They can be overcome by using breathing apparatus, face masks, etc. 

Slade, R., Highfill, J.W., and Hatch, G.E. 1989. Effects of depletion of ascorbic acid or nonprotein sulfhydryls on the acute inhalation toxicity of nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and phosgene. Inhalation Toxicol. 1 261-271. 

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