Why does nitrous oxide induce laughter?

This information is all strictly for Entonox - a brand of analgesic gas comprising 50% Oxygen (O2) and 50% Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Laughing Gas. This mixture is known as 'Gas and Air' and is in very common use. read more

This information is all strictly for Entonox - a brand of analgesic gas comprising 50% Oxygen (O2) and 50% Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Laughing Gas. This mixture is known as 'Gas and Air' and is in very common use. read more

Nitrous oxide is not found naturally in the atmosphere except for truly tiny amounts in some industrially polluted areas because it is quite reactive and would have vanished long ago even if lots had been released in the early days of the Earth’s atmosphere being formed. read more

Nitrous oxide enters the blood by diffusion from the alveoli whilst it is being inhaled, but does not bind with haemoglobin. It is fat soluble so quickly moves into cells, including synapse ends in the brain. read more