if nitrogen is everywhere, why is it a big deal if there is a nitrogen leak?

Question

if nitrogen is everywhere, why is it a big deal if there is a nitrogen leak?

In: Chemistry

Answer 1

Was a chem major. Liquid nitrogen is usually stored in a large tank in a closet. Several students have suffocated due to oxygen displacement. If N2 is leaking in an enclosed space, O2 is dropping, and you die.

See tv show burn notice s2e2 for example.