I felt it worth posting a few observations on the potential use of xenon (Xe₂) as a viable alternative to N₂O (nitrous oxide). It is by no means comprehensive and while I've made an effort to provide data while appropriate, I haven't systematically read every single papep on the topic. If others with a more practical bent are prepared to built a system, I would be quite happy to carry out comprehensive research and provide EVERY paper (which would be thousands) BEFORE just to ensure it's not wasting anyone's time but mine.
While much more costly, the MAC (minimum alveolar concentration) value of Xenon is 72 compared to 104 for nitrous oxide i.e. for most people, nitrous oxide isn't capable of producing surgical anaesthesia because the value is >100%.
Even so, it's a rather costly alternative. Well, it should be noted that the majority of the modern, potent anaesthetics are used in a semi-closed system that means any of the drug not absorbed by the lungs is subsequently breathed out goes on to be separated and fed back into the breathing apparatus. The theory being that much smaller amounts are used. For example, sevoflurane is supplied in 250mL bottles and that's enough for many hours of general anaesthesia and certainly much less if consumed at the lower doses that retain some level of consciousness but producing the sought effects.
Noe that xenon is consumed at a rate of 0.6267 ± 0.2865 ml/min
Now, while the Xe₂ is a relatively small molecule, atoms of xenon are actually VERY large when compared to most other elements. In fact, Xe₂ is separated from the other noble gases because of it's larger kinetic diameter.
I feel it important to note that while industrial Xe₂ is the cheapest grade, it's intended to be used as a protective non-reactive atmosphere (shielding gas) for certain forms of welding and for similar applications. It's valuable enough for recovery to be worthwhile and indeed systems for doing just that are commercially available. It seems likely that industrial grade xenon is in fact recovered gas.
My point is, while a product may be pure enough for industrial applications, it will almost certainly contain traces of other chemicals. The ones that spring to mind are the sulphur fluorides that run the gamut from 'totally unreactive' to the 'highly toxic' MSDS based on which ones are being considered. But there are other possible issues such as industrial xenon being produced in nuclear reactors (possible but not specifically stated) - but I leave it to others to find a full(er) list of possible toxicity. I'm sure finding where medical xenon is sourced would be of value.
So it seems to me that anyone considering experimenting with xenon should first investigate how the pure element is isolated and from there go on to work out how to build a rebreather to minimize the quantity used. In fact, if the purification takes place BEFORE it is inhaled, it's possible that industrial purity would be safe. I know that when SO₂ (sulphur dioxide) was added to the N₂O sold for drag racing, within a matter of months an engineer was offering an apparatus that removed said SO₂ although, again, it not being medical grade, it's possible other nitrogen oxides or indeed totally unrelated gases could potentially be in there in small amounts.
Of course, all of this would be academic if it didn't seem likely that nitrous oxide will be controlled sooner or later AND the fact that all of the 'trip reports' state that subanesthetic doses are extremely euphoric:
tripsitter.com
I am unaware of any specific dangers associated with the use of xenon but technical papers are not well translated using AI-driven systems and I only have English, Dutch, a little French and a little Latin so I'm unable to understand many papers.
As I see it, the fact xenon IS capable of producing surgical anaesthesia should be a key concern. History is littered with people who injudiciously experimented with such compounds and were discovered to have died either through toxicity (luckily xenon appears benign in that sphere) or because they had blacked out and some minor accident occurred which they were unable to deal with due to being unconscious. It's quite a sad history. So any design would likely need a 'dead man's handle' so if the consumer passes out, the thing stops introducing the Xe₂ AND flushes the system to remove the narcotic gas immediately.
I noted that at least one extremely adept Bluelighter has built a proper system for the consumption of nitrous oxide which included and oxygen monitor and a few other quite amazing design features. I was very impressed indeed.
I would be interested to know if any BLers have already sampled xenon and if they could confirm that it's action is euphoric as the link I provided suggests.
FYI oddly, even in the UK it's not entirely clear if xenon is legal. It wouldn't fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act BECAUSE it's IS prescribable medication thus would fall under The Medicines Act (and it's merely a POM, not a CD) and even then, it's entirely based on the intended use. If you intend to use it in any way other than as psychoactive, it also falls outside THAT law as well. It isn't flammable or toxic so laws governing those aspects would also not apply.
In conclusion, to the best of my knowledge, there is no legal prohibition of the production, distribution and/or sale of, say, 5 gram 'Whippets' as I was taught to fill a balloon with the gas and then huff (rapidly inhale, exhale, repeat) it which is the simplest way to ensure that the largest quantity of the active is absorbed. I don't know but wonder if the increasing levels of carbon dioxide results in increased absorbtion.
I will leave you with a question. What would be an appropriate brand name for Xenon 'Whippets'? Exhibits?
While much more costly, the MAC (minimum alveolar concentration) value of Xenon is 72 compared to 104 for nitrous oxide i.e. for most people, nitrous oxide isn't capable of producing surgical anaesthesia because the value is >100%.
Even so, it's a rather costly alternative. Well, it should be noted that the majority of the modern, potent anaesthetics are used in a semi-closed system that means any of the drug not absorbed by the lungs is subsequently breathed out goes on to be separated and fed back into the breathing apparatus. The theory being that much smaller amounts are used. For example, sevoflurane is supplied in 250mL bottles and that's enough for many hours of general anaesthesia and certainly much less if consumed at the lower doses that retain some level of consciousness but producing the sought effects.
Noe that xenon is consumed at a rate of 0.6267 ± 0.2865 ml/min
Now, while the Xe₂ is a relatively small molecule, atoms of xenon are actually VERY large when compared to most other elements. In fact, Xe₂ is separated from the other noble gases because of it's larger kinetic diameter.
I feel it important to note that while industrial Xe₂ is the cheapest grade, it's intended to be used as a protective non-reactive atmosphere (shielding gas) for certain forms of welding and for similar applications. It's valuable enough for recovery to be worthwhile and indeed systems for doing just that are commercially available. It seems likely that industrial grade xenon is in fact recovered gas.
My point is, while a product may be pure enough for industrial applications, it will almost certainly contain traces of other chemicals. The ones that spring to mind are the sulphur fluorides that run the gamut from 'totally unreactive' to the 'highly toxic' MSDS based on which ones are being considered. But there are other possible issues such as industrial xenon being produced in nuclear reactors (possible but not specifically stated) - but I leave it to others to find a full(er) list of possible toxicity. I'm sure finding where medical xenon is sourced would be of value.
So it seems to me that anyone considering experimenting with xenon should first investigate how the pure element is isolated and from there go on to work out how to build a rebreather to minimize the quantity used. In fact, if the purification takes place BEFORE it is inhaled, it's possible that industrial purity would be safe. I know that when SO₂ (sulphur dioxide) was added to the N₂O sold for drag racing, within a matter of months an engineer was offering an apparatus that removed said SO₂ although, again, it not being medical grade, it's possible other nitrogen oxides or indeed totally unrelated gases could potentially be in there in small amounts.
Of course, all of this would be academic if it didn't seem likely that nitrous oxide will be controlled sooner or later AND the fact that all of the 'trip reports' state that subanesthetic doses are extremely euphoric:
[Xe] | Tripping On Xenon - Tripsitter
Xenon is considered by experts to be “the perfect anesthetic.” Its powerful dissociative and euphoric effects kick in within seconds & fade away just as quickly.
tripsitter.com
I am unaware of any specific dangers associated with the use of xenon but technical papers are not well translated using AI-driven systems and I only have English, Dutch, a little French and a little Latin so I'm unable to understand many papers.
As I see it, the fact xenon IS capable of producing surgical anaesthesia should be a key concern. History is littered with people who injudiciously experimented with such compounds and were discovered to have died either through toxicity (luckily xenon appears benign in that sphere) or because they had blacked out and some minor accident occurred which they were unable to deal with due to being unconscious. It's quite a sad history. So any design would likely need a 'dead man's handle' so if the consumer passes out, the thing stops introducing the Xe₂ AND flushes the system to remove the narcotic gas immediately.
I noted that at least one extremely adept Bluelighter has built a proper system for the consumption of nitrous oxide which included and oxygen monitor and a few other quite amazing design features. I was very impressed indeed.
I would be interested to know if any BLers have already sampled xenon and if they could confirm that it's action is euphoric as the link I provided suggests.
FYI oddly, even in the UK it's not entirely clear if xenon is legal. It wouldn't fall under the Psychoactive Substances Act BECAUSE it's IS prescribable medication thus would fall under The Medicines Act (and it's merely a POM, not a CD) and even then, it's entirely based on the intended use. If you intend to use it in any way other than as psychoactive, it also falls outside THAT law as well. It isn't flammable or toxic so laws governing those aspects would also not apply.
In conclusion, to the best of my knowledge, there is no legal prohibition of the production, distribution and/or sale of, say, 5 gram 'Whippets' as I was taught to fill a balloon with the gas and then huff (rapidly inhale, exhale, repeat) it which is the simplest way to ensure that the largest quantity of the active is absorbed. I don't know but wonder if the increasing levels of carbon dioxide results in increased absorbtion.
I will leave you with a question. What would be an appropriate brand name for Xenon 'Whippets'? Exhibits?
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