why does asphyxiation from carbon dioxide cause pain, but other gases such as nitrogen don’t?

Question

Why does nitrogen cause you to just pass out but carbon dioxide causes you to suffocated and feel it? Is it because of the oxygen in carbon dioxide?

In: 42

Answer 1

Hank Green explains this better than I can.

@hankgreen1

Luckily, it’s pretty unusual to be in a situation with no oxygen and low CO2. But a plane that has lost cabin pressure is one, which is why you gotta put on that oxygen mask! (posted by @paytmitch)

♬ original sound – Hank Green