Nitrous oxide is a commonly used anaesthetic in dental procedures.
Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a colorless, sweet-smelling gas. It is used as an anesthetic agent in dental procedures and foaming agent for whipped cream canisters. Additionally, nitrous oxide aids in the detection of natural gas leaks and the production of rocket fuel.
Storage
Storage Location
Nitrous oxide stores in well-ventilated, cool and dry rooms with other labeled cylinders or containers. Cylinders exposed to heat may explode or rupture. Nitrous oxide cylinders should not be stored with oxygen cylinders or other chemicals, like aluminum, hydrogen sulfide and sodium.Nitrous oxide stores as a liquefied gas in blue steel cylinders, or tanks. The cylinder maintains a pressure of 745 psi in the tank until depletion of nitrous oxide. The cylinder's valves should always remain closed during storage. The manufacturer labels nitrous oxide cylinders, stating the contents and hazards of the gas.
Importance of Proper Storage
Nitrous oxide must be stored properly since excessive exposure causes dizziness, headaches and nausea. Skin contact can cause frostbite. Long-term exposure may lead to serious health problems, like nerve, liver and kidney disorders, as well as increased risk of spontaneous abortion and birth defects.
Nitrous oxide is a dangerous greenhouse gas. Its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere is 310 times more powerful than carbon dioxide, according to the University of Wisconsin.
