The Difference Between Food Grade and Medical Nitrogen Oxide

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a colorless, non-toxic gas commonly used in the food and medical industries for different purposes. Nitrous oxide is obtained by heating ammonium nitrate, which decomposes to form nitrogen gas and water. The nitrogen gas is then oxidized to form nitrous oxide. Nitrogen oxide is available in different grades, including food and medical grades, which have distinct differences. Here are some of the differences between food-grade and medical-grade nitrous oxide:

Purity: One of the significant differences between food-grade and medical-grade nitrous oxide is the purity level. Food-grade nitrous oxide is typically 99.9% pure, while medical-grade nitrous oxide is usually 99.99% pure. The higher purity level of medical-grade nitrous oxide is essential in medical settings where accuracy and precision are critical.

Regulations: Food-grade nitrous oxide is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is considered safe for human consumption. It is commonly used in the food industry as a propellant for whipped cream, carbonated drinks, and other food products. On the other hand, medical-grade nitrous oxide is regulated by the FDA and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and is used in medical settings as an anesthetic and analgesic.

Chemical Composition: Chemical composition is another significant difference between food-grade and medical-grade nitrous oxide. While both types of nitrous oxide are made up of nitrogen and oxygen, medical-grade nitrous oxide has a lower level of impurities, such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapor, making it suitable for medical applications.

Applications: Food-grade nitrous oxide is primarily used in the food industry for various applications such as whipped cream dispensing, carbonating drinks, and infusing flavors. Medical-grade nitrous oxide is used as an anesthetic in dentistry and surgery to manage pain during childbirth.