Nitrous oxide – N2O
Nitrous oxide – N2O
Main information on nitrous oxide N2O or laughing gas: physical characteristics, health effects, detection equipment ( N2O gas detector ) and suitable respiratory protection.
Main characteristics of nitrous oxide (N2O)
Nitrous oxide is also known as nitrous oxide, nitrous oxide, nitrous monoxide and laughing gas . It is a gas with a strong greenhouse effect (global warming potential of 298) particularly due to agro-industrial activities (nitrogen fertilization), wastewater treatment and the combustion of organic and fossil materials. Nitrous oxide is an oxidizer used for combustion engines. N2O is also used as an anesthetic agent by doctors and veterinarians.
Health effects of nitrous oxide
N2O is a colorless gas with a slightly sweet odor. It is an anesthetic and neurotoxic gas that can have many adverse health effects. It can trigger hallucinations, disorientation, muscle spasms, poisoning, and death by asphyxiation.
Nitrous oxide is also an oxidizing gas that promotes combustion and increases the fire hazard in certain configurations.
N2O (nitrous oxide) detector
The measurement of N2O concentrations can be carried out using a nitrous oxide detector. This gas can be measured in toxicity (ppm) or in explosiveness (% LEL) depending on the applications.
For the calibration and gas testing of your fixed or portable gas detectors, nitrous oxide standard gas cylinders are available.
Nitrous oxide (NO2) respiratory protection
In the presence of a high concentration of N20, wearing an ARI (self-contained breathing apparatus) or an air-supplied mask ensures the protection of a worker.