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m (Corrected external link for hypoxia, was linked to a Mayo Clinic page about hypoxemia) |
(Added section on fire danger - N2O will liberate oxygen and accelerate fires. Consider risks from environment and from the scene.) |
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=== Dangers in self-play === | === Dangers in self-play === | ||
Nitrous oxide has been involved in numerous self-play accidents. As it has the potential to cause hypoxia, victims are usually unable to react accordingly by themselves. It is extremely dangerous to attempt self-play with nitrous with any arrangement that is not specifically designed to be hypoxia-safe. | Nitrous oxide has been involved in numerous self-play accidents. As it has the potential to cause hypoxia, victims are usually unable to react accordingly by themselves. It is extremely dangerous to attempt self-play with nitrous with any arrangement that is not specifically designed to be hypoxia-safe. | ||
=== Fire Danger === | |||
Although nitrous oxide is a non-flammable gas at room temperature and pressure, it rapidly decomposes and can present an abundant source of oxygen if exposed to high temperatures. This production of free oxygen can cause normally slow burning materials to burn much more vigorously. If large volumes are released near open flames pre-existing fire hazards are multiplied and fires may quickly spread out of control. The risk of out of control fire should be considered both from out-of-scene elements such as decorative candles or fireplaces and deliberate in-scene elements such as open flames during wax play or other fire play. | |||
== Known accidents and fatalities involving nitrous oxide == | == Known accidents and fatalities involving nitrous oxide == |