In a historic move, the US state of Alabama carried out the execution of convicted murderer Kenneth Eugene Smith on Thursday, employing a new method—nitrogen gas. This marks the first departure from the commonly used lethal injection in the United States since its adoption as the primary execution method. Smith was put to death at Holman Prison using nitrogen hypoxia, a process causing suffocation. The last time the US used gas for an execution was in 1999.
During a nitrogen gas execution, the individual is placed in a sealed chamber, and nitrogen gas is introduced, gradually replacing 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 reaction included writhing and thrashing for about two to four minutes, followed by heavy breathing for around five minutes.
Nitrogen, which makes up 78% of the air we breathe, is usually harmless. However, when not mixed with proper levels of oxygen, it can be lethal. Nitrogen gas execution is controversial for various reasons.
Critics raise ethical concerns about the untested nature of nitrogen hypoxia, likening it to human experimentation.
Concerns were raised about the execution mask not being airtight, potentially allowing oxygen to seep in, leading to prolonged trauma or a vegetative state.
The lack of oxygen may cause the person to vomit inside the mask, posing a risk of choking and complicating the execution.
Worries exist about the well-being of those administering the execution. The odorless and colorless nature of nitrogen gas, combined with potential mask dislodgment, raises challenges in detecting its effects on individuals in the execution room.
The limited testing of nitrogen gas as an execution method raises concerns about its reliability and the potential for complications or errors during the process.
Instances of nitrogen’s deadly 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.
The United Nations has expressed concerns about Alabama’s use of nitrogen hypoxia for executions, warning that it might breach international prohibitions against torture and inhumane treatment. They also criticized the absence of a sedative provision before execution, a practice recommended for euthanizing large animals. The heavily redacted documentation surrounding the execution leaves crucial details undisclosed, including safety measures and testing procedures.
Alabama now joins Oklahoma and Mississippi as one of the three US states that have approved the use of nitrogen hypoxia as an alternative method of execution.
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