NCO2
NCO2, also known as nitrous oxide, is a chemical compound with the formula N2O. It is a colorless, non-flammable gas that is naturally present in Earth's atmosphere. NCO2 is produced through both natural processes, such as microbial activity in soil and the ocean, and human activities, including the burning of fossil fuels and agricultural practices. It is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential approximately 300 times greater than that of carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. NCO2 is also a significant ozone-depleting substance, contributing to the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer. The gas is commonly used as an anesthetic in medical procedures and as a propellant in aerosol sprays. However, its use as a recreational drug, often referred to as "laughing gas," has led to concerns about its potential for abuse and associated health risks. NCO2 is monitored and regulated by international agreements, such as the Montreal Protocol, to mitigate its environmental impacts.