Gaseous Poison： Nitrous Oxide （Laughing Gas）

doi:10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2026.360306

Abstract

Abstract:

Nitrous oxide （N₂O）, also known as laughing gas, is one of the substances used as an alternative to traditional illicit drugs. Abuse of N₂O can cause cognitive impairment and memory deficits. Inhalation of an excessive amount of N₂O within a short period of time may cause systemic hypoxia and, in severe cases, can result in sudden asphyxial death. Based on relevant domestic and international research, this paper systematically reviews the pharmacological and toxicological effects, toxicological data, symptoms of poisoning, in vivo process and toxicological analysis findings from representative cases involving N₂O with the aim of providing a reference for forensic identification.

Key words: forensic medicine, toxicological analysis, nitrous oxide （laughing gas）, pharmacological and toxicological effects, symptoms of poisoning, in vivo process

CLC Number:

Huosheng Qiang, Hang Chen. Gaseous Poison： Nitrous Oxide （Laughing Gas）[J]. Journal of Forensic Medicine, 2026, 42(4): 374-377.

Add to citation manager EndNote|Ris|BibTeX

URL: http://www.fyxzz.cn/EN/10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2026.360306

http://www.fyxzz.cn/EN/Y2026/V42/I4/374

Figures/Tables 1

References 16

[1]	杨晓莹，刘晋菲，王蕊，等. 危险化学品笑气（N₂O）的滥用研究进展[J].广州化工，2024，52（9）：12-14.
	doi：10.3969/j.issn.1001-9677.2024.09.005.Yang X Y， Liu J F， Wang R， et al. Research progress on abuse of hazardous chemical nitrous oxide（N₂O）[J]. Guangzhou Huagong，2024，52（9）：12-14.
[2]	赵安晓宇，李丹阳，金益锋，等. 我国笑气滥用问题及其规制研究[J].中国药物依赖性杂志，2024，33（2）：165-168. doi：10.13936/j.cnki.cjdd1992.2024.02.014 .
	Zhao A X Y， Li D Y， Jin Y F， et al. The problem and regulation of laughing gas abuse in China[J]. Zhongguo Yaowu Yilaixing Zazhi，2024，33（2）：165-168.
[3]	危险化学品名录（2002版）[EB/OL].（2003-03-03）[2026-02-16].
	2 / BE/ 01/9D621A5937F9CC2F9D5C423DAE1_47D7A
	8A0_27595 A.pdf?e=.pdf. List of hazardous chemicals （2002）[EB/OL]. （2003-03-03）[2026-02-16].
	47 D7A8A0_27595A.pdf?e=.pdf.
[4]	李泽洪，李子怡，杜江，等. 笑气滥用的检测技术研究进展[J].中国法医学杂志，2023，38（2）：172-177.
	doi：10.13618/j.issn.1001-5728.2023.02.015.Li Z H， Li Z Y， Du J， et al. Research progress in the detection technology of nitrous oxide abuse[J]. Zhongguo Fayixue Zazhi，2023，38（2）：172-177.
[5]	高晗，李维帅，郑东明. 笑气滥用所致神经系统损害的临床特点[J].中国神经精神疾病杂志，2020，46（6）：333-337.
	doi：10.3969/j.issn.1002-0152.2020.06.003.Gao H， Li W S， Zheng D M. Analysis of clinical characteristics of neurological disorders caused by nitrous oxide abuse[J]. Zhongguo Shenjing Jingshen Jibing Zazhi，2020，46（6）：333-337.
[6]	Vinckenbosch F R J， Durán Jiménez D， Helmerhorst H， et al. The prevalence， risks， and detection of driving under the influence of nitrous oxide[J]. WIREs Forensic Sci，2024，6（2）：e1508. doi：10.1002/wfs2.1508 .
[7]	Baselt R C. Disposition of toxic drugs and chemicals in man[M]. 9th ed. Seal Beach， California： Biomedical Publications，2011：1218-1219.
[8]	向平，刘宁国，沈保华，等. 单纯窒息性气体急性中毒死亡案件的检材提取和分析策略[J].法医学杂志，2022，38（4）：507-514.
	doi：10.12116/j.issn.1004-5619.2021.310501.Xiang P， Liu N G， Shen B H， et al. Strategies for collection and analysis of samples in simple asphyxiant gas acute poisoning death cases[J]. Fayi-xue Zazhi，2022，38（4）：507-514.
[9]	Jiménez D D， Vinckenbosch F， Busink J， et al. Ex vivo detection of recreationally consumed nitrous oxide in exhaled breath[J]. Sci Rep，2025，15：2901. doi：10.1038/s41598-025-86666-9 .
[10]	Lindholm A Ø， Nielsen M K K， Kristensen M， et al. Concentration and detection time of nitrous oxide in blood following controlled inhalation[J]. Drug Test Anal，2026，18（4）：576-580. doi：10.1002/dta.70053 .
[11]	Zaloum S A， Mair D， Paris A， et al. Tackling the growing burden of nitrous oxide-induced public health harms[J]. Lancet Public Health，2025，10（3）：e257-e263. doi：10.1016/S2468-2667（24）00298-6 .
[12]	Lindholm A Ø， Nielsen M K K， Kristensen M， et al. Driving under the influence of nitrous oxide — A retrospective study of HS-GC-MS analysis in whole blood[J]. Forensic Sci Int，2024，354：111904. doi：10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111904 .
[13]	Poli D， Gagliano-Candela R， Strisciullo G， et al. Nitrous oxide determination in postmortem biological samples： A case of serial fatal poisoning in a public hospital[J]. J Forensic Sci，2010，55（1）：258-264. doi：10.1111/j.1556-4029.2009.01218.x .
[14]	Giuliani N， Beyer J， Augsburger M， et al. Validation of an analytical method for nitrous oxide （N₂O） laughing gas by headspace gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry （HS-GC-MS）： Forensic application to a lethal intoxication[J]. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci，2015，983/984：90-93. doi：10.1016/j.jchromb.2014.12.034 .
[15]	胡浩男，蒋国军，唐志龙，等. 顶空-气相色谱/质谱法检验血液中的氧化亚氮[J].刑事技术，2020，45（3）：250-254.
	doi：10.16467/j.1008-3650.2020.03.007.Hu H N， Jiang G J， Tang Z L， et al. Determination of nitrous oxide in blood using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry[J]. Xingshi Jishu，2020，45（3）：250-254.
[16]	Luigi C， Stefania D S. Nitrous oxide intoxication： Systematic literature review and proposal of new diagnostic possibilities[J]. Egypt J Forensic Sci，2022，12（1）：59. doi：10.1186/s41935-022-00315-0 .