Inert gas asphyxiation

Epic card · No. 11517

Inert gas asphyxiation is a form of asphyxiation that results from breathing a physiologically inert gas in the absence of oxygen, or a low amount of oxygen (hypoxia), rather than atmospheric air (which is composed largely of nitrogen and oxygen). Examples of physiologically inert gases, which have caused accidental or deliberate death by this mechanism, are argon, xenon, helium and nitrogen. The term "physiologically inert" is used to indicate a gas that has no toxic or anesthetic properties and does not act upon the heart or hemoglobin. Instead, the gas acts as a simple diluent to reduce the oxygen concentration in inspired gas and blood to dangerously low levels, thereby eventually depriving cells in the body of oxygen. According to the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, in humans, "breathing an oxygen deficient atmosphere can have serious and immediate effects, including unconsciousness after only one or two breaths. The exposed person has no warning and cannot sense...

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