Does inhaling too much nitrogen affect the human body?
Dec 03, 2022
Nitrogen (N2) is a colorless, odorless gas at normal temperature and pressure. Nitrogen in the air accounts for 78% to 80%. The relative molecular mass is 28.0134, and the boiling point is 195.8°C. Insoluble in water. When the nitrogen content in the air increases (>84%), the oxygen in the air can be eliminated, causing insufficient inhalation of oxygen, and people feel shortness of breath and a sense of suffocation. High concentrations of nitrogen (>90%) can cause symptoms and signs of hypoxia such as headache, nausea, vomiting, chest tightness, chest pain, and cyanosis. In severe cases, a rapid coma occurs.
There are roughly two types of hazards caused by nitrogen: one is nitrogen asphyxiation caused by acute hypoxia; the other is decompression sickness caused by submerged operations.
Precaution:
① Regular maintenance of equipment, pipes, containers, etc. where nitrogen exists, to prevent nitrogen from running, popping, dripping, or leaking.
② The equipment container after nitrogen replacement should be fully ventilated and exhausted, and the inspection and maintenance can only be carried out when the oxygen content is above 20%.
③ Oxygen-supply masks should be worn when there is an urgent need for maintenance, and someone should be on site to monitor.
④ When producing liquid nitrogen, protective gloves and glasses should be worn.






