Gas chamber
Overview
A gas chamber is an apparatus for killing humans or animals with gas, consisting of a sealed chamber into which a poison
ous or asphyxiant gas
is introduced. The most commonly used poisonous agent is hydrogen cyanide; carbon dioxide
and carbon monoxide
have also been used. Gas chambers were used as a method of execution for condemned prisoners in the United States
beginning in the 1920s.
Poison
In the context of biology, poisons are substances that can cause disturbances to organisms, usually by chemical reaction or other activity on the molecular scale, when a sufficient quantity is absorbed by an organism....
ous or asphyxiant gas
Asphyxiant gas
An asphyxiant gas is a non-toxic or minimally toxic gas which reduces or diplaces the normal oxygen concentration in breathing air. Prolonged breathing of oxygen depleted air can lead to death by asphyxiation...
is introduced. The most commonly used poisonous agent is hydrogen cyanide; carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom...
and carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide
Carbon monoxide , also called carbonous oxide, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air. It is highly toxic to humans and animals in higher quantities, although it is also produced in normal animal metabolism in low quantities, and is thought to have some normal...
have also been used. Gas chambers were used as a method of execution for condemned prisoners in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
beginning in the 1920s.
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