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Summary
Asphyxia (from Greek a-, "without" and σφυγμός (sphygmos), "pulse, heartbeat") is a condition of...
Content
Asphyxia (from Greek a-, "without" and σφυγμός (sphygmos), "pulse, heartbeat") is a condition of severely deficient supply of oxygen to the body that arises from being unable to breathe normally. An example of asphyxia is choking. Asphyxia causes generalized hypoxia, which primarily affects the tissues and organs.
A very common form of asphyxiation is from entering a low oxygen atmosphere or an inert atmosphere—such as a food oil tanks—that have a covering blanket of nitrogen or argon to shield the oil from atmospheric oxygen, thus preventing rancidity.
The body creates the need to breathe from the excess carbon dioxide in the lungs; and yet the body has no way to detect the absence of oxygen. Many gases, though non-toxic, are classified as simple asphyxiants in their pure form or in high concentrations for this very reason.
In the absence or near absence of sufficient oxygen to sustain life people act normally; and with no warning, they simply feel dizzy and then black out in a matter of seconds as the remaining oxygen in the blood stream is consumed. Oxygen deficient atmospheres are the basis for many single and multiple deaths occurring; the deceased will be observed lying prone
Created by:
Freebase Data Team
Oct 22, 2006
Last edited by:
Freebase Data Team
Oct 22, 2006
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