History of Liquid nitrogen in Timeline
Liquid nitrogen is nitrogen in liquid form at very low temperatures. It boils at about -196°C and is made by separating components of liquid air. As a colorless liquid, it's much less viscous than water and commonly used for cooling things.
1997: First Recorded Case of Liquid Nitrogen Ingestion
In 1997, a physics student demonstrating the Leidenfrost effect accidentally swallowed liquid nitrogen, leading to near-fatal injuries. This incident is noted as the first documented case of liquid nitrogen ingestion in medical literature.
January 12, 2006: Texas A&M University Liquid Nitrogen Explosion
On January 12, 2006, at Texas A&M University, a tank of liquid nitrogen experienced a catastrophic failure due to malfunctioning and sealed pressure-relief devices. The resulting pressure buildup caused an explosion that propelled the tank through the ceiling, shattered a reinforced concrete beam, and displaced lab walls by 0.1-0.2 meters off their foundations.
2012: Liquid Nitrogen Cocktail Incident
In 2012, a young woman in England had to undergo stomach removal surgery after ingesting a cocktail containing liquid nitrogen. The liquid nitrogen caused severe internal damage upon ingestion.
January 2021: Poultry Plant Liquid Nitrogen Leak
In January 2021, a line carrying liquid nitrogen ruptured at a poultry processing plant in Georgia, USA. The incident led to the deaths of six people and injuries to 11 others.