Nitrogen hypoxia is an execution method used as an alternative to lethal injection that is designed to cause asphyxiation by having an inmate inhale pure nitrogen through a gas mask instead of breathable air.
October 23, 2025
high
definition
Technical description of the execution method commonly referred to as nitrogen hypoxia.
Execution by nitrogen gas (nitrogen hypoxia) is carried out by placing a gas mask over a person's face and replacing breathable air with pure nitrogen, causing death by oxygen deprivation.
October 23, 2025
high
procedural
General description of the nitrogen gas execution method.
Nitrogen hypoxia is a relatively new and controversial execution method that functions as an alternative to lethal injection by causing asphyxiation when an individual inhales pure nitrogen instead of breathable air, typically administered through a gas mask.
October 09, 2025
high
procedural
Describes the mechanism and contested nature of an execution method used as an alternative to lethal injection.
The nitrogen hypoxia execution method uses a gas mask or similar apparatus to replace breathable air with pure nitrogen gas, causing death by lack of oxygen.
January 01, 2024
high
descriptive
Technical description of how nitrogen hypoxia is applied in executions.