title: Accidental death by nitrous oxide inhalation.
abstract: Nitrous oxide is a popular inhalation anesthetic-analgesic agent. Its euphoric action and its availability have led to its abuse. We report a case of fatal accidental asphyxia due to nitrous oxide abuse. The deceased was a hospital worker who had access to the hospital supply of nitrous oxide. His death was due to hypoxemia and asphyxiation, secondary to nitrous oxide inhalation.
authors.affiliation: Allegheny County Department of Laboratories, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Winek
authors.forename: W W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Wahba
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rozin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001237:Asphyxia / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D009609:Nitrous Oxide