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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogen_asphyxiation

Nitrogen asphyxiation
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nitrogen asphyxiation is a theoretical method of capital punishment advocated by Stuart A. Creque in his article published in National Review, "Killing with kindness - capital punishment by nitrogen asphyxiation". The painful act of suffocation is not caused by lack of oxygen intake but rather because of a buildup of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream which is usually exhaled under normal circumstances.

When a human (or any other mammal) breathes in pure nitrogen, they exhale carbon dioxide without intaking oxygen. Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas - and which comprises approximately 80 percent of the Earth's atmosphere - as such, the subject would detect no abnormal sensation. This leads to asphyxiation without the painful and traumatic feeling of normal suffocation. Therefore, it is viewed by some as a much more humane way to end a human life in a controlled setting. Furthermore, nitrogen, as the principle component in air, is a commonly occurring element and poses no significant risk upon discharge. Dying by nitrogen asphyxiation is similar to that of carbon monoxide.