Nitrogen

Absorption

For local use only, no systemic absorption.

Toxicity

Liquid nitrogen: Serious adverse effects include hemorrhage, infection, and excessive granulation tissue formation. Alopecia, atrophy, keloids, scarring, hypopigmentation, and ectropion formation are among permanent complications of cryotherapy.

Description

Nitrogen makes up the major portion of the atmosphere (78.08 percent by volume, 75.5 percent by weight). It is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, nontoxic, almost totally inert gas, and is colorless as a liquid. Nitrogen is nonflammable, will not support combustion, and is not life supporting. It combines with some of the more active metals such as lithium and magnesium to form nitrides, and at high temperatures it will also combine with hydrogen, oxygen, and other elements. It is used as an inert protection against atmospheric contamination in many nonwelding applications. Nitrogen is only slightly soluble in water and most other liquids, and is a poor conductor of heat and electricity. As a liquid at cryogenic temperatures it is nonmagnetic. It is shipped as a nonliquefied gas at pressures of 2000 psig (13 790 kPa) or above, and also as a cryogenic fluid at pressures and temperatures below 200 psig (1380 kPa) and -261°F (-163°C).

The Uses of Nitrogen

In manufacture of ammonia, nitric acid, nitrates, cyanides, etc.; in manufacture of explosives; in filling high-temp thermometers, incandescent bulbs; to form an inert atm for preservation of materials, for use in dry boxes or glove bags. Liquid nitrogen in food-freezing processes; in the laboratory as a coolant. Pharmaceutic aid (air displacement).

Indications

Liquid nitrogen is used mainly as a cryogenic agent for the treatment of various benign and malignant skin lesions.

Background

Nitrogen is a chemical element with symbol N and atomic number 7. At room temperature, it is a transparent, odorless diatomic gas. Liquid nitrogen is used principally in cryotherapy for removal of diseased skin. Liquid nitrogen helps in removal of skin lesions through necrosis, which results from the freezing and thawing of cells. Cryotherapy usually done in doctors' office. Also, nitrogen is very famous component in fertilizers and energy-stores.

Metabolism

For local use only.