Nitrous Oxide

Nitrogen (N)- 2
Oxygen (O)- 1

Physical and Chemical Properties

• Physical:
• Gas at room temperature, denser than air, colourless, tasteless, has a slightly sweet odour, boiling point -89 C, freezing point -91 C
• Chemical:
• Non flammable, supports combustion, slightly soluble in blood, toxic to the human body causing anemia

Use #1 (medical): Used largely in a wide range of surgical procedures for anaesthesia and analgesia, has effects on cells causing drowsiness and sleep, used in painful procedures.

Use #2 (food): Nitrous Oxide is used in food addictive
Aerosol propellant,
found in mainly cooking spray and whipped cream

Safety Precautions and Concerns

• May cause reproductive toxicity in humans
• May affect the liver, kidneys, nervous system, and blood
• If in contact with oil or grease, can start fire or explosion

Did You Know?

• No one is allergic to nitrous oxide. It is safe for those who have diabetes, liver, or heart disease
• When inhaled, Nitrous generally reaches full effects within seconds
• Nitrous is controlled differently throughout the world.

References

• Nitrous oxide. (n.d.). Retrieved March 09, 2016, from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/nitrous_oxide
• Nitrous oxide, physical properties. (n.d.). Retrieved March 09, 2016, from http://library.med.utah.edu/kw/derm/pages/ni01_1.htm