In most cases, purchasing pure nitrous oxide (more commonly known as laughing gas) for recreational use is illegal; an act that is prohibited by law and classed as an offense. However in some states of the US, it is not illegal but there are still some laws extended onto how much nitrous oxide can be sold and who to.
Nitrous oxide has a variety of professional uses in our modern society. It is predominantly used as an anesthetic during medical and dental surgery. Other uses for the chemical compound includes enhancing the power of motor racing engines and, strangely enough, the propellant for creating whipped cream.
However, it has also been recognized as one of the major greenhouse gases contributing to the damage being done to the ozone. It is said to have almost 300 times more of an impact per unit weight on the ozone that that of carbon dioxide.
The reason behind nitrous oxide being restricted in many parts of the world is that, although it can give a sense of euphoria and a fit of giggles for whoever inhales it, it is also known to have some adverse and harmful side effects, such as:
• A risk of asphyxiation
• Decreased mental performance for the short term
• Decreased visual and audio ability for the short term
• Decreased manual dexterity for the short term
In addition that that, there are some suggested long term effects. For example, it has been known to cause a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body, which can result in nerve damage. Not only this, but could result in a sensation of numbness for an unknown period of time. There has even been evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide can cause problems with reproduction in women who are pregnant.
Nitrous oxide has a variety of professional uses in our modern society. It is predominantly used as an anesthetic during medical and dental surgery. Other uses for the chemical compound includes enhancing the power of motor racing engines and, strangely enough, the propellant for creating whipped cream.
However, it has also been recognized as one of the major greenhouse gases contributing to the damage being done to the ozone. It is said to have almost 300 times more of an impact per unit weight on the ozone that that of carbon dioxide.
The reason behind nitrous oxide being restricted in many parts of the world is that, although it can give a sense of euphoria and a fit of giggles for whoever inhales it, it is also known to have some adverse and harmful side effects, such as:
• A risk of asphyxiation
• Decreased mental performance for the short term
• Decreased visual and audio ability for the short term
• Decreased manual dexterity for the short term
In addition that that, there are some suggested long term effects. For example, it has been known to cause a deficiency of vitamin B12 in the body, which can result in nerve damage. Not only this, but could result in a sensation of numbness for an unknown period of time. There has even been evidence to suggest that prolonged exposure to nitrous oxide can cause problems with reproduction in women who are pregnant.
