Inert gas breathing problems

[MG_39]

"At oxygen concentrations in the range of 10–14%, the symptoms include breathing problems"

Suicidal deaths due to helium inhalation - Forensic Toxicology

Purpose The authors reviewed the literature paying attention to helium suicide rates, autopsy findings in people exposed to helium, methods of collecting biological material for toxicological tests, and analytical methods used for detection and quantification of helium in the collected...

link.springer.com

I don't get this, from what i've heard you breath inert gases without problem. And for example I saw an article about the Sarco (Asphyxiation chamber) It was around 95% Nitrogen and 5% procent oxygen in the chamber.

Someone who can explain this?

 

[Lookingforabus]

That section just details the effects of low oxygen environments on human physiology. So, if you're looking to asphyxiate, you're not going to be able to do it at concentrations of 10% oxygen.

 

[MG_39]

That section just details the effects of low oxygen environments on human physiology. So, if you're looking to asphyxiate, you're not going to be able to do it at concentrations of 10% oxygen.

What i can't understand is why can you freely breath 95-100% nitrogen (sarco 95%) but why does a higher amount of oxygen give you breathing problems. My guess would be that this is after a while. Like after 5-10 minutes of breathing. But not sure.

 

[Lookingforabus]

At 10% oxygen, you develop breathing problems, because your respiratory system is trying to compensate for the decreased oxygen by breathing faster and/or harder, to try to take in more oxygen. At 5% oxygen or less, you die before those respiratory responses kick in.

 

[MG_39]

At 10% oxygen, you develop breathing problems, because your respiratory system is trying to compensate for the decreased oxygen by breathing faster and/or harder, to try to take in more oxygen. At 5% oxygen or less, you die before those respiratory responses kick in.

Thank you for your answer. Found some articles about oxygen sensors in our brain that comfirmed what you are saying.