N2O: Dispenser triggers, metal fragments, increasing absorption and some health warnings
Triggers on soda/cream dispensers, as BT said, are usually non-linear or uneven in action. To avoid the risk of freezing your lungs, N2O should never be taken directly from a high pressure dispenser. If both lungs freeze, you will probably die very quickly!!
In stating this, I understand that many people actually take their nitrous "straight from the bottle". I have to admit on occasion, in amidst my crazy nitrous daze, I also did this when balloons (or in desperation, condoms) weren't around. But I always first checked the trigger action. My old soda bottle has quite an "even" trigger, so as BT says, by placing your 2nd or 3rd finger under the trigger to resist the push, it’s easy to leak the gas out gently with pressure from the index finger. But be very careful. People have died from lungs freezing, so always try to have a balloon handy.
As soda bottles are often sourced via op shops, garage sales etc. and are difficult to clean thoroughly, it is well advised that you should filter the gas as it leaves the bottle. A clamped or tight plastic tube with a cotton wool plug works ok. I haven't read much on the famous bulberator, but I imagine it wouldn't be too hard to employ some inline filtering in its design.
Although ice is produced by the expanding gas, metal fragments could also be present in what comes out of the dispenser. Older dispensers can have blunt or rough piercing tips. In turning the soft metal seal of the bulb against a rough nozzle cutting tip, it makes sense some metal filings could be dislodged. Older units can also have plastic bulb holders which are subject to wearing on the thread. This loosens the bulb fit, and may contribute towards producing filings.
Many old dispensers also have rubber seals and other plastic fittings which deteriorate with age or use. My old soda dispenser has some sort of crust or inner coating which is dislodged under pressure from the gas. A folded handkerchief over the outlet catches all visible signs of loose particles. A handkerchief also makes a good emergency filter.
Good point regarding oxygen. If you’ve ever had nitrous at the dentist, you may have noticed that the high seems somewhat different. Oxygen is given to avoid hypoxia and to regulate the degree of effect. When taken with ~40-50% O2, N2O gives an amazing initial effect, with the first sensations being a warm tingling sensation which seems to start in the legs and move up.
Quite different from the usually instant & oxygen deficient hit from a bulb.
Be careful of the anesthetic actions during a nitrous binge. You may not think before doing things you normally wouldn’t. If you are crazy enough to progress to getting your N2O by the tank, realize the difference between auto-grade, food & medical N2O. You would probably have trouble obtaining it these days, but a few years back it was easy to open an auto gas account without suspicion. If you are set on doing this, at least get the proper fittings, so that you know what you’re talking about. You will also have a regulator.
A REGULATOR IS A LIFE SAVING DEVICE.
The freezing potential of gas coming from an unregulated gas cylinder is orders of magnitude higher than it is for bulbs! It will take out an eye and frost bite fingers.
Filtering is very important with auto-grade N2O. Auto destined N2O is not intended for human consumption. An old gas chart from CIG, showed the difference in relative purities between the 3 grades; auto, food, and medical was only small ~1-2%, but the auto grade also contained some impurities, namely; hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and SOx . Even in small amounts, these gases are very toxic. H2S is only slightly less toxic than cyanide, and becomes hard to smell following prolonged exposure. These unwanted gases can be successfully filtered using inline peroxide and lime filters.
Also good to note is what sarsan said. Nitrous is not benign, although it’s not thought to be as dangerous as other disassociatives. However, if you spend a couple of days on the gas, some facilities seem to take weeks to return.
N2O is metabolised using vitamin B12 and associated cofactors and enzymes. It's easy to develop B12 deficiency, which could be difficult to reverse, and which could play havoc on your future health. Oral supplements alone may not help, as it is difficult to absorb B12. If you think you are a candidate for B12 deficiency, see your doctor who can give you a B12 shot.
mutant, I don’t wish to sound encouraging with this, but you may be interested to know that if you compress your lungs by wrapping your arms around your chest and squat following an inhalation, the degree of N2O absorption is increased considerably. Be careful, and always have a soft landing around you in case you pass out.
The worst short term damage I've seen from N2O involves people falling down (unconscious) from standing too quickly after a hit. Thankfully these have been limited to a bleeding nose and several nasty lumps on the head, but the potential for serious head injuries should not be underestimated. Also, cyanide blue lips are not a desirable look, even for Goths. Blue lips indicate insufficient heme bound O2
Time for a break and some fresh air.
A quote from
http://smokedot.org/story/2001/8/19/175834/181
"Incidentally, folks, never take disassociatives and try to navigate a house of mirrors. You'll end up breaking your nose." - orbitz
Edit: correction; p_d
