Defense Date
2025
Document Type
Directed Research Project
First Advisor
Dr. Michelle Peace
Second Advisor
Dr. Sarah Riley
Third Advisor
James H. Fleming
Fourth Advisor
Justin Poklis
Abstract
Nitrous oxide, N2O, is a colorless gas, synthesized by Joseph Priestly in 1772. The first reported use of N2O was as a surgical anesthetic in the 1800s and recreational use was documented as early as 1844. Shortly after the discovery of N2O, laughing gas parties slowly became the foundation for the use of N2O in medical applications. These gatherings were mainly popular in England and the United States, starting in the late 1700s. It has fast onset of action, low lipid solubility, and the ability to be used for conditions such as depression and narcotic withdrawal. An increase in the recreational use of N2O has occurred worldwide, attributed to its euphoric effects and easy accessibility. N2O does not have immediate and obvious adverse effects, leading to general belief that it is harmless. For recreational use, N2O is typically inhaled directly from steel bulbs or “whippets” that contain around 10 mL of liquid N2O or from balloons filled from the bulbs. These products are commercialized to be used in whipped cream charging bottles and are readily available in stores and online. Unsanitary manufacturing conditions for the N2O bulbs have been reported, precipitating questions about heavy metal, residual solvent, and petroleum product exposure.
Six commercially manufactured N2O products, purchased from either Amazon Marketplace or a brick-and-mortar smoke shop, were analyzed for N2O and petroleum contaminants using a Shimadzu GCMS-QP2020 Gas Chromatograph – Mass Spectrometer and a Millipore Sigma polydimethylsiloxane divinylbenzene (PDMS/DVB) (24 ga, 65 μm) solid phase microextraction (SPME) fiber assembly. HS-GC-FID analysis was conducted on the Shimadzu HS-20 paired with a Nexis 2030 GC-FID using a dual column system. This analysis will test for five common solvents: ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, methanol (MeOH), and ethanol (EtOH). Results from both HS-GC-FID and SPME GC-MS analyses shows evidence of the presence of petroleum product contaminants in at least one brand included in this study. These results prove the need for stronger regulations to be effectively implemented in this industry.
Rights
© The Author(s)
Is Part Of
VCU Master of Science in Forensic Science Directed Research Projects
Date of Submission
5-12-2025