Unreactive N2 (Nitrogen gas) or the Reactive Toxic but Potent Anesthetic H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide gas) for More Humane Prisoner Executions and Animal Euthanasia? More Lessons, and Questions, from Anesthesia

Abstract

On January 25, 2024 convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith was executed in the US State of Alabama by N2-induced hypoxia, raising serious questions about this new method. The shortcomings of N2 (nitrogen gas) in this event are discussed. H2S (Hydrogen Sulfide gas) which, although very toxic, has been shown to be a very potent volatile anesthetic (VA). The effects of these two gases on loss of consciousness, the hypoxic ventilatory response, TASK-1/3 channels and how PaO2 fits in are explored. Huge numbers of animals are euthanized yearly, sometimes also using N2-induced hypoxia, and more rapid humane methods could be beneficial. How these studies reflect on the January 25, 2024 events is discussed.H2S potent anesthetic properties and the ability cause very rapid loss of consciousness and death presents itself as a possible far more humane method for execution and, in many cases, animal euthanasia.These technical discussions are not directed towards the philosophical debates about whether capital punishment is or is not just.