Impacts of nitrous oxide
As the greatest ozone depleting substance, nitrous oxide, is obviously a dangerous gas that needs to be taken care of. The problem? It is hard to trace. The closest scientists have come is tracing the flow of nitrous oxide's isotopes (two or more elements that have the same number of protons but a differing number of neutrons), however it is still difficult to track the exact origin of the gas. As of January 31, 2018, scientists, using infrared remote sensing data, have been able to detect higher levels of N2O near both poles. The molecules found from higher altitudes are heavier and more abundant. This could be due to the increase in the sunlight which enriches the nitrous oxide molecules.
EOS declares nitrous oxide to be a "double edged sword", and it appears to be true. In Australia, a website is known to deliver cans of nitrous oxide, or "nangs", right to a person's doorstep. Normally used at the dentist's office for pain relief, N2O can also be used to mimic the feeling of intoxication. The dangers of doing so are often ignored, however. When large amounts are inhaled without the appropriate amount of oxygen, blood pressure can drop and eventually lead to a heart attack. The website has recently been brought to light and scientists are frantic in hopes to not only take down the website but spread awareness about the dangers of nitrous oxide inhalation.
Nitrous oxide is not all bad. Evan Prescott, who was diagnosed at nine months old, with a skin disease known as epidermolysis bullosa which leaves painful blisters on the skin and makes it so skin tear or break easily. After trying all of the usual methods, ranging from painkillers to opiods, Dr. Pablo Ingelmo reverted to the traditional method of using laughing gas. Evan was given a tank with 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide which he inhales through a mask. Since the introduction of nitrous oxide, Evan's pain has subsided dramatically and his overall anxiety levels have dropped.
eos.org/research-spotlights/first-near-global-measurements-of-isotopic-nitrous-oxide
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/troubling-phenomenon-potentially-deadly-nitrous-oxide-being-delivered-to-peoples-front-doors-20180206-h0uig9.html
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/how-laughing-gas-is-helping-a-montreal-butterfly-boy-1.3794696
EOS declares nitrous oxide to be a "double edged sword", and it appears to be true. In Australia, a website is known to deliver cans of nitrous oxide, or "nangs", right to a person's doorstep. Normally used at the dentist's office for pain relief, N2O can also be used to mimic the feeling of intoxication. The dangers of doing so are often ignored, however. When large amounts are inhaled without the appropriate amount of oxygen, blood pressure can drop and eventually lead to a heart attack. The website has recently been brought to light and scientists are frantic in hopes to not only take down the website but spread awareness about the dangers of nitrous oxide inhalation.
Nitrous oxide is not all bad. Evan Prescott, who was diagnosed at nine months old, with a skin disease known as epidermolysis bullosa which leaves painful blisters on the skin and makes it so skin tear or break easily. After trying all of the usual methods, ranging from painkillers to opiods, Dr. Pablo Ingelmo reverted to the traditional method of using laughing gas. Evan was given a tank with 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxide which he inhales through a mask. Since the introduction of nitrous oxide, Evan's pain has subsided dramatically and his overall anxiety levels have dropped.
eos.org/research-spotlights/first-near-global-measurements-of-isotopic-nitrous-oxide
http://www.watoday.com.au/wa-news/troubling-phenomenon-potentially-deadly-nitrous-oxide-being-delivered-to-peoples-front-doors-20180206-h0uig9.html
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/how-laughing-gas-is-helping-a-montreal-butterfly-boy-1.3794696