What distinguishes medical air from other gases?

Medical air is distinguished from other gases primarily by its properties that make it suitable for therapeutic use in a medical setting. It is a mixture of gases that predominantly consists of nitrogen and oxygen, and is delivered in a non-flammable form. The non-flammability of medical air is essential, as it allows for safe administration to patients without the risk of combustion, which is critical in healthcare environments where the presence of oxygen and other combustible materials is prevalent.

Furthermore, medical air supports life by providing oxygen, which is necessary for respiration and overall metabolic processes in the body. This characteristic makes it fundamentally different from gases that may not support life or have harmful effects when inhaled. Other options do not accurately describe medical air: it does not contain high levels of carbon dioxide, it is not typically compressed into liquid form for storage in medical settings, and it does not have a distinct odor, which makes it identifiable as a safe gas for patient use.