Alabama is itchin' to be the first state to try new method of execution
Alabama is seeking to become the first state to execute a prisoner by making him breathe pure nitrogen
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This is easily the most dangerous method possible for everyone involved. Strangely enough our body only reacts to buildups of CO2, it does not react to a lack of oxygen.
So while in theory it would be painless as an execution method, if anything leaks into the viewing area for the execution there is no visible signs anyone is in danger as oxygen is being displaced thus potentially killing everyone involved.
There's a whole field of industry for gas detection, whether it be for the presence of toxic or explosive gas, or the absence of healthy breathing air. It's an easily mitigated problem. If the detector on the wall goes below 20% o2, an alarm sounds, circulation fans turn on, and everyone leaves the room.
But the system overall is not fail safe. Through sheer bad luck, the warning system could fail and there could be a leak into the viewing chamber.
This is quite literally what a Deadman switch is for. The man closest to the wall holds the switch that sucks out the oxygen and replaces it with nitrogen and when that man lets up it kicks on high power fans in the viewing area unless you hold another switch almost out of reach that you must hold up.
It's well established how to administer this method of death, I don't see this same safety concern as you do.
