Since it evporates into nitrogen gas, and in a small room without ventilation (bedroom sized), could that be dangerous to a human?
2006-10-21 22:55:46 · 10 answers · asked by amir_elmaani 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Yes. Liquid nitrogen is very cold. The release of the nitrogen would turn to a gas state, but its release would be uncontrolled. You could receive frostbite to your fingers, hands, face, eyes, or body; could develop a respiratory problem or aphyxiation (death due to lack of air); or an accident could cause additional problems. Don't do it.
2006-10-21 23:07:07 · answer #1 · answered by Sir Ed 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is dangerous. People have died from it. The high concentrations of nitrogen can displace the oxygen in a room and cause asphyxiation. I remember reading somewhere that the human body is sensitive to high levels of carbon dioxide and this gives a warning to your body to vacate the area (you feel like you cannot breathe), but supposedly nitrogen does not trigger this as quickly so one can suffocate before one realizes that they are in danger.
When using liquid nitrogen, leave a window open. In my lab, I would always leave the door open when I was using liquid nitrogen.
2006-10-21 23:13:49 · answer #2 · answered by Kevin R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be very dangerous indeed. Once the concentration of oxygen relative to nitrogen falls below about 12% you're in deep doo-doo. Nitrogen asphyxiation is rapid and symptomless - you can't smell it, taste it and there are no warning signs. In the chemical industry, where nitrogen is routinely used to displace air to provide an "inert" atmosphere above a flammable solvent in a reaction vessel, there have been a quite a few deaths due to nitrogen over the years.
2006-10-22 00:54:29 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it could be dangerous, if there is no air current. The reason is that the evporating nitrogen would lower the oxygen %% in the air. If hte oxygen %% gets to a set level you will pass out, at lower %% death will occur.
2006-10-21 23:44:22 · answer #4 · answered by Mr Hex Vision 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normal air contains about 20% oxygen. Liquid nitrogen released in a cold room could dilute oxygen levels to a point where humans may get hypoxia.
2006-10-22 00:19:25 · answer #5 · answered by ash v 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends how much you are using, small amounts (50mL) no problem.
If the room is sealed then you would reduce the oxygen concentration by nitrogen from boil off, but also respiration. It would also start to get very cold.
However it is unwise to do any experimentation in an unventilated room
2006-10-22 00:08:54 · answer #6 · answered by drcjs_007 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will depend on the quantiy and what you use it for. Usually you have the liquid nitrogen for preserving or cooling samples. So, your interest is in keeping the lid tight otherwise your samples will go bad if the gas evaporates. The quantities are usually low.
2006-10-22 00:51:06 · answer #7 · answered by Dr. J. 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it could be dangerous. Inhaling that gas could cause some lung damage not to mention brain damage. Do it in a ventilated place like a classroom or outside. I'm not a chemist but it sounds dangerous.
2006-10-21 23:05:55 · answer #8 · answered by greylady 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No. Liquid nitrogen is not toxic, just very cold (-196° C). It is not explosive nor reactive either. On the other hand liquid oxygen can be dangerous owing to its high oxidation potential.
2006-10-21 23:05:25 · answer #9 · answered by Wal C 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
i wouldnt do this in a classroom and never in a bedroom
2006-10-21 23:01:49 · answer #10 · answered by gjmb1960 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋