Opinion: Nitrogen Asphyxiation Should Not be the Only Issue Critics Have with Alabama's Execution

Kenneth SmithPhoto byX

Alabama's making headlines again and what do you know, it's not for something good. So what has all the publications talking about our questionable state? Well, ADOC of course.

Kenneth Smith, scheduled for execution in Alabama using an untested gas method, shares his experience with The Guardian. Smith, who survived a botched lethal injection attempt in 2022, faces a second execution using nitrogen gas.

He describes nightmares, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ongoing stress disorder from the first attempt. Smith expresses concerns about the new method, fearing its success may lead to its widespread adoption. He highlighted the potential danger of vomiting into the mask during the execution. Smith discussed the psychological toll and lack of mercy in his situation, urging people to "leave room for mercy." His lawyers have appealed for a stay of execution, citing the cruel and unusual punishment.

CNN told us Alabama is set to carry out the first known execution by nitrogen gas, using the method of nitrogen hypoxia, which replaces the air breathed by an inmate with 100% nitrogen, depriving the body of oxygen. Kenneth Smith is scheduled for execution, and little is known about how the procedure will be carried out during a 30-hour window, as the state's protocol has redactions to maintain security.

Critics, including experts and UN officials, express concerns over potential complications and argue that the secrecy surrounding the execution raises questions about the use of a new, untested, and risky procedure. Alabama's history of "botched" executions with lethal injections adds to the skepticism. The state claims the method has been thoroughly vetted, while critics argue that the lack of transparency poses risks and violates constitutional protections against cruel and unusual punishment.

While there are numerous critics voicing concerns about Alabama's execution plan, there seems to be a notable absence of discussion regarding the inherent dangers associated with nitrogen gas. Nitrogen, though widely used in various industrial settings, poses significant risks even for carefully trained professionals who handle it daily.

Nitrogen, commonly used in various industries, including the tragic incident in Gainesville, GA, where six deaths occurred at a chicken processing plant, has proven lethal. The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board uncovered that between 1992 and 2002, 80 people lost their lives due to nitrogen asphyxiation.

The New York Times HeadlinePhoto byThe New York Times

Alabama's history of monumental mistakes in previous executions, coupled with the alarming statistics on nitrogen-related fatalities, leaves many with serious doubts about the state's ability to execute the new method without unforeseen risks and potential harm to multiple lives beyond the intended inmate. The focus on the untested nature of the execution method should not overshadow the critical examination of the safety and reliability of using nitrogen gas, especially considering its lethal track record in industrial settings.

The fear is that the state's track record of errors might lead to disastrous consequences, potentially risking more lives than just the intended inmate. The focus on the untested nature of the execution method often overshadows the critical examination of the safety and reliability of using nitrogen gas in such a high-stakes procedure.

In this video, two workers tragically died after entering a confined space filled with nitrogen, an odorless and invisible gas. The absence of oxygen in such atmospheres can lead to immediate impairment and fatal consequences. The safe work permit failed to alert the crew about the nitrogen-filled reactor, putting them at risk.

Shockingly, the foreman and contract administrator also collapsed when attempting to assist the affected worker, emphasizing the dangers of nitrogen asphyxiation. Safety experts caution against attempting to enter or exit a confined space quickly without proper precautions.

The incident is clear evidence that the importance of adequate training and enforcement of safety procedures to prevent avoidable workplace tragedies. Nitrogen's swift and unexpected impact on victims further highlights the urgency of addressing and mitigating such risks.

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