Lachgas

Lachgas, known chemically as nitrous oxide (N2O), is a colorless, non-flammable gas with a mildly sweet odor and taste. It is used medically as an analgesic and anesthetic agent, often administered as a mixture with oxygen to provide rapid, short-term pain relief during dental and minor surgical procedures. It is typically delivered with ventilation systems to limit exposure to staff.

In the food industry, nitrous oxide is used as a propellant in whipped-cream canisters and other aerosolized culinary products, and is designated as a processing aid under various food-safety regimes in some regions (often labeled as E941 in certain jurisdictions).

Nitrous oxide is also used in automotive racing as an oxidizer in nitrous oxide systems, where it enables a temporary increase in engine power by supplying additional oxygen during combustion. In rocketry and propulsion research, N2O has been investigated and used in some hobbyist and specialty applications as a monopropellant or oxidizer, though its primary commercial uses remain medical, culinary, and automotive.

Properties and safety: Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas with a significant global warming potential. Inhalation can cause dizziness, drowsiness, loss of coordination, or unconsciousness; prolonged or repetitive exposure can contribute to vitamin B12 depletion and potential neurologic damage. It should be used only in appropriate medical, laboratory, or industrial settings with proper ventilation and safety protocols.

Regulation varies by country; some jurisdictions restrict sale or use for inhalation while allowing culinary or medical applications.