Nitrous Oxide
- Sources
- Impacts
- Testing
Sources
Sources of Nitrous Oxide (N20)
Nitrous Oxide (N2O), more commonly known as laughing gas, can be found in medical facilities due to its anaesthetic, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. Since 1799, it has also been inhaled recreationally due to its psychoactive effects. Within the UK, the agriculture sector dominates N2O emissions, with soils accounting for 56% of total UK emissions. Nitrogen is a common component in fertilisers, and these are digested by microorganisms to produce N2O. Vehicle emissions are a relatively smaller source of the gas, but combustion of fuels means that vehicles release N2O as well.
Typical Sources of N20
- Agriculture
- Car Exhausts
- Incomplete Combustion
- Poorly Ventilated Rooms Using N20 for Medical Purposes
Impacts
Impacts of Nitrous Oxide (N20)
The direct health effects of exposure to N2O indoors are generally limited. Abuse of N20 recreationally can lead to permanent neurological damage, as the brain is essentially starved of oxygen. N20 can be an occupational hazard for medical professionals, especially in rooms with poor ventilation. Staff may be accidentally intoxicated, resulting in reduced cognition, audiovisual acuity, and manual dexterity. Long-term exposure to N20 can cause vitamin B12 deficiency.
Common Impacts of N20
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Brain Damage With Prolonged Abuse/Exposure
- Reduced Cognition
- Spatial And Temporal Disorientation
Testing
Testing for Nitrous Oxide
Active and passive sampling can be used to detect Nitrous Oxide (N20). A Tenax tube can be used either passively with a diffuser or with a pump to detect levels in the air.- Passive Diffusive Sampling
- Active Pumped Sampling
Within workplace exposure limits (being the most likely example of N20 exposure), the limit is set at 100 PPM.
- EH40/2005 Limit is 100 PPM
- The CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) sets its limit at 25 PPM
Nitrous Oxide FAQs
How Do I Remove N20 From My Indoor Air? ↓
Medical areas which may be exposed to higher levels of N20 should have a level of continuous air monitoring to detect spikes and patterns in exposure. This can be in the form of wearable devices. Commercial/domestic air monitors will likely be unable to detect N20 due to these devices not commonly measuring this niche metric. Adequate ventilation of indoor air within medical spaces will reduce the likelihood of N20 exposure.
Can I Perceive N20? ↓
Yes, N20 can have a faint sweet odour and taste.
What UK Legislation Relates To N20? ↓
EH40/2005; Psychoactive Substances Act 2016.
Why Do Medical Practices Still Use N20? ↓
How Are Some Other Ways You May Be Exposed To N20? ↓
Waste water plant workers, fertiliser production workers, and farmers.
Why Choose ARM?
Nitrous oxide exposure is a real concern in medical, dental and veterinary environments. ARM offers specialist wearable and ambient monitoring, paired with ventilation strategies.
We are SafeContractor certified and BESA-affiliated, and our CEO Adam Taylor chairs the BESA Indoor Air Quality Group – ensuring all our recommendations meet the highest standards for workplace health and safety.
