Asphyxiant
Definition
An asphyxiant is a substance that can cause suffocation by displacing oxygen in the air, leading to oxygen deprivation.
Analogy
Imagine being in a crowded room with limited air supply. As more people enter the room, there is less and less oxygen available for each person to breathe, making it harder to get enough oxygen to survive.
Related terms
Hypoxia: A condition where the body doesn't receive enough oxygen due to reduced availability or inability to use it properly.
Nitrogen gas: A common asphyxiant that can displace oxygen in confined spaces like underground mines or storage tanks.
Carbon dioxide: Although not typically considered an asphyxiant, high levels of carbon dioxide can lead to suffocation by reducing the amount of available oxygen in the air.
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