Safety Emporium for all your lab and safety needs

NAICS

Glossary Index

Nausea

MSDS Topics	Free Sites	FAQ's	Regulations	Glossary	Software	Suppliers
	Books	Forum	Poll	Fun stuff	Quiz	Store
Understand your MSDS with the MS-Demystifier				Search ALL our MSDS info

Narcosis

Definition

• Narcosis is a state of deep stupor or unconsciousness produced by a chemical substance such as a drug or anesthesia.
• A narcotic is a substance that induces narcosis.

Additional Info

Inhalation of certain chemicals can lead to narcosis. For example, diethyl ether and chloroform, two common organic solvents, were among the first examples of anesthesia known. Deliberate inhalation of chemicals such as spray paints and household aerosols to obtain a quick "buzz" or high, a practice called huffing, is an disturbingly common activity among adolescents and young adults. This practice is exceedingly dangerous and likely to lead to brain damage or death. See the inhalants links under Further Reading for more information. Many other chemicals that you would not suspect can also cause narcosis. For example, even though nitrogen gas comprises 78% of the air we breathe and is considered chemically inert (unreactive) it can cause narcosis under certain conditions.

Encourage proper work habits with safety signs, labels and training from Safety Emporium.

MSDS Relevance

This term usually appears on an MSDS as a possible symptom of exposure, usually through inhalation. Always work with adequate ventilation and avoid inhaling chemical fumes, mists, dusts etc. whenever possible. Use fume hoods and respirators as necessary.

Further Reading

• Nitrogen narcosis at Wikipedia.
• Health Hazards of Occupational Exposure to Industrial Solvents at the University of Hong Kong.
• Inhalants at eMedicine.com discusses the effects and dangers of huffing in great detail from an emergency medicine perspective.
• Intelligence Brief: Huffing, The Abuse of Inhalants at the National Drug Interdiction Center.

See also: anesthesia, coma, ventilation.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.