BREATHING GAS Meaning and
Definition
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Breathing gas refers to any substance or mixture of substances that is inhaled by individuals to sustain their breathing and provide life-sustaining oxygen or other respiratory properties. This type of gas is commonly used in various environments and situations where normal atmospheric air is either unavailable or deficient in the required elements for respiration.
Breathing gases can be categorized based on their composition and purpose. The most commonly known breathing gas is air, which consists of approximately 21% oxygen, 78% nitrogen, and trace amounts of other gases. Air is the standard breathing gas for humans in most cases, unless there are specific requirements or conditions that necessitate the use of an alternative gas.
In some scenarios, such as space exploration, deep-sea diving, or high-altitude mountaineering, specialized breathing gases are employed depending on the specific physiological needs and environmental conditions. These specialized gases may include mixtures like oxygen-enriched air, heliox (a mixture of helium and oxygen), or trimix (a blend of oxygen, nitrogen, and helium).
Breathing gases are often stored in high-pressure cylinders or tanks to maintain their integrity, and various equipment, such as regulators and masks, are used to ensure the safe and controlled delivery of the gas to individuals. The choice of breathing gas and its effective management are critical aspects of safety and life support systems in environments where normal air cannot meet the necessary respiratory requirements.
Etymology of BREATHING GAS
The term "breathing gas" is a compound noun consisting of two words: "breathing" and "gas".
The word "breathing" is derived from the verb "breathe", which comes from the Old English word "brǣdan". This word evolved from the Proto-Germanic word "brēþaną", meaning "to breathe" or "to smell". The Proto-Germanic root "branþ-" is further related to the Old Norse word "bræða" and the Middle Dutch word "breden".
The word "gas" is borrowed from the Dutch word "gas", which was coined by the Flemish chemist Jan Baptist van Helmont in the early 17th century. Van Helmont used the word to describe a substance produced during combustion that was different from air or any known solid or liquid.
