Convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith was hanged using nitrogen gas on Thursday in the US state of Alabama. This is the first time that a different method has been employed in the United States since the adoption of lethal injection as the primary execution method. Smith was executed at Holman Prison using nitrogen hypoxia, which suffocated him. The last time America used gas for execution was in 1999.

In nitrogen gas execution, the person is confined within a sealed chamber. Nitrogen gas is introduced into the chamber, which gradually replaces the oxygen. As the person breathes in nitrogen, oxygen levels decrease, leading to unconsciousness and ultimately death.

Kenneth Eugene Smith’s execution lasted approximately 22 minutes, during which he appeared conscious for several minutes. His response included writhing and writhing for about two to four minutes, followed by heavy breathing for about five minutes.

78% of the air we breathe is nitrogen, which is generally harmless. However, when it is not mixed with proper levels of oxygen, it can be fatal. Nitrogen gas execution is controversial for several reasons:

– Critics compare nitrogen hypoxia to a human experiment, raising ethical concerns about its untested nature.

– Concerns were raised about the performance masks not being airtight, potentially allowing oxygen to seep through. This can lead to long-term shock or leave the person in a vegetative state.

– Due to lack of oxygen the person may vomit inside the mask, which can pose a risk of suffocation and complicate execution.

– There were concerns about the well-being of those who were hanged. The odorless and colorless nature of nitrogen gas, combined with potential mask displacement, creates challenges in detecting its effects on individuals in the execution chamber.

– Limited testing of nitrogen gas as an execution method raises concerns about its reliability and the potential for complications or errors during the procedure.

Examples of its fatal use often arise from industrial accidents. In 2021, a tragic incident occurred at a chicken factory in Gainesville, Georgia, where six workers lost their lives due to unintentional exposure to a nitrogen leak, according to reports. KC Media,

The United Nations has expressed concern over the use of nitrogen hypoxia for executions in Alabama, warning it could violate international prohibitions against torture and inhumane treatment, reports. BBC, He also criticized the absence of sedative provision before hanging, a practice recommended for euthanizing large animals. Of concern is that heavily redacted documents related to the execution leave important details unknown, including security measures and testing procedures.

Alabama joins Oklahoma and Mississippi as the three US states that have approved the use of nitrogen hypoxia as an alternative method of execution.