What are the effects of prolonged exposure to high concentrations of nitrous oxide?

Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of nitrous oxide can lead to significant health issues, particularly vitamin B12 deficiency and neurological problems. Nitrous oxide interferes with the activity of methionine synthase, an enzyme that is crucial for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, which requires vitamin B12 as a cofactor. Chronic exposure can deplete vitamin B12 levels, leading to potential neurological impairments such as peripheral neuropathy, myelopathy, and other cognitive deficits due to the essential role of B12 in nervous system function.

In addition to these deficiencies, neurotoxic effects from high levels of nitrous oxide can include symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and difficulty with coordination due to its impact on myelin formation and nerve transmission. This underscores the importance of carefully monitoring nitrous oxide levels during medical procedures to prevent these adverse effects. While the other options may describe effects related to medical gases or anesthesia in a broader sense, they do not specifically address the well-documented dangers of prolonged nitrous oxide exposure.