Question

Can humans breathe liquid oxygen?

Answer 1

Liquid Oxygen:

1. It is a pale blue liquid form of molecular oxygen.
2. Liquid oxygen is denser than water in liquid form.

Uses:

1. Despite being non-flammable, liquid oxygen is a strong oxidizer.
2. Therefore, it is utilized in propellant systems of rockets and various missiles.
3. It is also used in metal industries for melting, cutting, welding, cleaning, etc.
4. Liquid oxygen is useful in providing additional oxygen to patients with breathing difficulties.
5. It is used (liquid oxygen therapy) in patients with cystic fibrosis, asthma, etc.

Harmful effects:

1. It is extremely cold and causes burns if exposed to the skin.
2. It is highly reactive and is capable of causing fatal accidents on coming in contact with kerosene, grease, oil, etc.
3. Therefore, despite being useful under various conditions, breathing liquid oxygen could be disastrous for humans.