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Xenon is a rare, odorless, colourless, tasteless, chamically
unreactive gas. It was regarded as completely inert until, in 1962, Neil
Barlett reported synthesis of xenon haxafluoroplatinate. In a gas filled
tube xenon emits blue light when excited by electrical discharge.
Applications
Xenon has relatively little commercial use. It is used in
photographic flash lamps, stroboscopic lamps, high-intensitive arc-lamps
for motion picture projection and high-pressure arc lamps to product
ultraviolet light (solar simulators). Other uses are as general
anaesthetic, xenon 'blue' headlights and fog lights are used on some
vehicles and are said to be less tiring on the eyes. They illuminate
road signs and markings better than conventional lights.
Xenon in the environment
Xenon si a trace gas in the Earth's atmosphere, occurring in 1 part
in 20 million. The only commercial source of xenon is from industrial
liquid-air plants. World production is less than 1 tonne per year,
although reserved of xenon gas in the atmosphere amount to 2 billion
tonnes.
Inhalation: This gas is inert and is classified as a simple asphyxiant. Inhalation
in excessive concentrations can result in dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
loss of consciousness, and death. Death may result from errors in
judgment, confusion, or loss of consciousness which prevent self-rescue.
At low oxygen concentrations, unconsciousness and death may occur in
seconds without warning.
The effect of simple asphyxiant gases is
proportional to the extent to which they
diminish the amount (partial pressure) of oxygen in the air that is
breathed. The oxygen may be diminished to 75% of it's normal percentage
in air before appreciable symptoms develop. This in turn requires the
presence of a simple asphyxiant in a concentration of 33% in the mixture
of air and gas. When the simple asphyxiant reaches a concentration of
50%, marked symptoms can be produced. A concentration of 75% is fatal in
a matter of minutes. Symptoms: The
first symptoms produced by a simple asphyxiant are rapid respirations
and air hunger. Mental alertness is diminished and muscular coordination
is impaired. Later judgment becomes faulty and all sensations are
depressed. Emotional instability often results and fatigue occurs
rapidly. As the asphyxia progresses, there may be nausea and vomiting,
prostration and loss of consciousness, and finally convulsions, deep
coma and death.
This agent is not considered a carcinogen.
Xenon is a rare atmospheric gas and as such is
non-toxic and chemically inert. The extreme cold temperature (-244oC)
will freeze organisms on contact, but no long term ecological effects
are anticipated.
Disposal considerations: When disposal becomes necessary, vent gas slowly
to a well-ventilated out door location remote from personnel work areas
and building air intakes. Do not dispose of any residual gas in
compressed gas cylinders. Return cylinders to the supplier with residual
pressure, the cylinder valve tightly closed. Please be advised that
state and local requirements for waste disposal may be more restrictive
or otherwise different from federal regulations. Consult state and local
regulations regarding the proper disposal of this material.
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