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Why would anyone think that breathing nitrogen would result in unconsciousness in seconds? Most of the air we breathe is nitrogen. It is the absence of oxygen
by MattPalmer1086 3y ago
Why would anyone think that breathing nitrogen would result in unconsciousness in seconds?
Most of the air we breathe is nitrogen. It is the absence of oxygen that eventually causes death, but that will take some time.
- frizkie 3y agoThe expectation is that it takes seconds to become unconscious, after which you asphyxiate over the period of minutes.
- MattPalmer1086 3y agoBut why would there be that expectation? I can remain conscious without oxygen for several minutes. Is there some physiological difference between holding your breath and constantly breathing?
- DamnInteresting 3y agoThis documentary probably had something to do with it: https://vimeo.com/83750163 https://vimeo.com/83750163 In it, a man investigates various means of execution, and concludes that nitrogen asphyxiation is the most 'humane' because the victim just passes out and then perishes. The presenter isn't necessarily wrong, but the caveats include a) the victim must breathe pure nitrogen, any oxygen present will prolong the experience; and b) if the victim is aware they are being executed, it is unlikely to be peaceful regardless. Edit to add: Also, the physical discomfort from holding one's breath comes from increased concentration of CO2 in the blood, not the absence of oxygen. So as long as one can expel CO2 as usual, the lack of oxygen does not cause physical distress.
- tommiegannert 3y agohttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0379073817303328 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S03790...