Of strange atmospheres - the survivable but unbreathable

Most gases that are toxic to breathe also do nasty things to the skin when they're in the atmosphere at dangerous concentrations - and one is walking around without sealed protective clothing; sulfur and nitrogen oxides cause chemical burns when they mix with the water in perspiration, or on one's eyes, large amounts of ozone cause similar problems by different mechanisms.

So my question is what are the key gases to use and, probably more importantly, at what levels to create an atmosphere that is lethal if you get a breath or two but won't burn your skin off or poison you anyway when you walk out the door without your moon suit?

Priority is given to gas mixes that are made up of gases that occur in/are produced by a biosphere almost identical to Earth's, so Water Vapour, Oxygen, Ozone, Methane, Nitro-oxides, Organic Carbon compounds, Carbon-oxides, Sulfur compounds etc... The best answer is the atmosphere that is most similar to our existing composition while being deadly to breath but otherwise safe for one to wear their birthday suit, apart from a breathing mask supplying safe air.

posted almost 5 years ago

Ash‭

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