Dangers of Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous oxide, also sometimes known as “laughing gas,” is used in medicine for its sedative and anesthetic (pain prevention) properties. Joseph Priestley, an English chemist, and multidisciplinary scholar, first synthesized nitrous oxide, which has the chemical formula N₂O, in 1772. After Priestley’s initial discovery of this substance, fellow chemist Humphry Davy performed various tests on the substance, including breathing the gas alone, with oxygen, and with air. Through this testing, it became clear that nitrous oxide had psychogenic properties, including as a sedative and anesthetic (pain-preventer).

At first, nitrous oxide was not used for its medicinal properties; it was sold recreationally as “laughing gas.” However, it was established for use in dentistry in the mid-1860s to relieve discomfort from tooth extractions and other painful dental procedures. By the 1880s, it was used for anesthesia during labor and childbirth.

Today, nitrous oxide is still used in dentistry, during labor and childbirth, as well as in emergency medicine. When used medicinally, nitrous oxide is delivered with 30-70% oxygen so a person is never breathing in 100% nitrous oxide. Breathing in 100% nitrous oxide displaces oxygen from the lungs and can result in asphyxiation, damage the body’s organs, and even death.

Nitrous oxide is sometimes misused recreationally for its euphoric, pleasurable and hallucinogenic effects. However, inhaling nitrous oxide outside of medical settings can be dangerous and even deadly, particularly when used heavily. Although it’s not common, repeated use of inhalants like nitrous oxide and whippets can also result in addiction, or substance use disorder. ^(CREDITS)