The study examines the concentrations of nitrous oxide that are achieved in blood, exhaled air, and urine after three different exposures to nitrous oxide:
inhalation of three or four cartridges of nitrous oxide released in a car cabin in a switched-off car, consumption of 100 g of whipped cream in which nitrous oxide is used as a propellant, and exposure through work as a midwife in a delivery room.
The concentrations in blood and exhaled air are measured for up to 1 hour after exposure, and in urine for up to 2 hours after exposure. The concentrations in blood and urine are measued with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry, while the concentration in exhaled air is measured by a sensor using an NDIR sensor (Olythe, France).
Age 18-65 years
Able to understand Danish
Willing to use effective contraception for 24 hours after the end of exposure (oral contraceptives, contraceptive implant, transdermal patch, vaginal ring, or injectable contraceptives)
Written informed consent
Current or past abuse of drugs, nitrous oxide (N₂O), or alcohol
A psychiatric disorder requiring medical treatment, including severe depression
A diagnosis of epilepsy
Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy