Airlines use pure oxygen in the emergency masks?

Question

I heard they use pure oxygen to keep the people docile (High) in the likely even that they might die is there any truth to this?

Answer 1

A chemical oxygen generator is a device that releases oxygen created by a chemical reaction. The oxygen source is usually an inorganic superoxide, chlorate or perchlorate. A promising group of oxygen sources are ozonides. The generators are usually ignited mechanically, by a firing pin, and the chemical reaction is usually exothermic, making the generator a potential fire hazard. Potassium superoxide was used as an oxygen source on early manned USSR space missions, for firefighters and mine rescue.

Chemical oxygen generator in commercial airliners

Commercial aircraft provide emergency oxygen to passengers to protect them from drops in cabin pressure. Chemical oxygen generators are not used for the cockpit crew. For each row of seats there are overhead masks and oxygen generators. If a decompression occurs, the panels are opened either by an automatic pressure switch or by a manual switch, and the masks are released. When the passengers pull down on the mask they remove the retaining pins and trigger the production of oxygen.

The oxidizer core is sodium chlorate (NaClO3), which is mixed with less than 5 percent barium peroxide (BaO2) and less than 1 percent potassium perchlorate (KClO4). The explosives in the percussion cap are a lead styphnate and tetracene mixture. The chemical reaction is exothermic and the exterior temperature of the canister will reach 260 °C (500°F). It will produce oxygen for 15 to 20 minutes.[1][2] The two-mask generator is approximately 63 mm (2.5") in diameter and 223 mm (8.8") long. The three-mask generator is approximately 70 mm (2.8") in diameter and 250 mm (10") long.

Accidental activation of improperly shipped expired generators caused the ValuJet Flight 592 crash.

Answer 2

I've also heard that...but I cant tell ya if it's true or not

Answer 3

Breathing 100% oxygen will not effect you in any way. It will not make you high, it will not kill you. It is there for emergencys. One emergency would be loss of cabin air. If the aircraft is above 30,000 ft and it was to loose all cabin pressureization you would  less than 2 minuts before you would pass out. With the O2 you would be able to saftly decend to an altitude where you would no longer be in danger from lack of O2. The only effect you would notice from O2 is it might really dry you out as it very dry. Unlike Medical O2 , aviator O2 has no water vapour.

Answer 4

no they wouldnt, because pure oxygen would kill you