“And so the only real question is: Is execution with nitrogen gas cruel?”Why nitrogen gas? Only three states – Alabama, Oklahoma and Mississippi – have approved the use of nitrogen gas for capital punishment, and experts say there is no real blueprint for the execution method. However, doctors say that they cannot pinpoint if or when a person will lose consciousness when exposed to high concentrations of nitrogen gas. Because the circumstances of Smith’s planned execution are so specific and unique, it’s hard to draw comparisons to instances where nitrogen gas played a role in accidental or suicide deaths, Groner said. If the mask is not secured tightly enough, oxygen could leak in, prolonging the death, experts say.

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Persons: Kenneth Smith, Smith, Smith’s, Dr, Joel Zivot, Zivot, Jonathan Groner, Groner, ”, ” Groner, “, There’s, shouldn’t, someone’s, Clayton Lockett, gurney Organizations: CNN, US, Supreme, Emory University, Ohio State University College of Medicine, United, Corrections Locations: Alabama, – Alabama, Oklahoma, Mississippi, United Nations