Is Liquid Hydrogen Safe to Drink? Understanding the Risks and Realities

No, liquid hydrogen is not safe to drink. Liquid hydrogen is extremely cold, with a boiling point of around -253°C or -423°F. Consuming it can cause severe frostbite or cold burns to skin and tissues. Furthermore, hydrogen gas is highly flammable and can present significant safety risks under certain conditions. Highly toxic substances are not intended or approved for human consumption, and liquid hydrogen clearly falls into this category.

The Dangers of Drunken Liquid Hydrogen

If you were to attempt to drink liquid hydrogen, the consequences would be dire. At -423°F (around -253°C), it would instantaneously cause severe frostbite, leading to severe tissue damage as it comes into contact with your skin and digestive tract. As the liquid hydrogen heats up in your body, it would rapidly convert to gaseous hydrogen, causing a significant pressure buildup. Given that hydrogen expands 1000 times upon evaporation, a small amount of liquid hydrogen could potentially cause your stomach to explode. This scenario is not just hypothetical; it could lead to fatal consequences.

Why Liquid Hydrogen Is Undrinkable

Liquid hydrogen is undrinkable not only because of its extremely low temperature but also due to the extreme cold it causes. At such low temperatures, it would shatter your teeth and freeze your digestive tract, causing tissue damage and potential freezing of water crystals throughout your digestive system. The hydrogen would then rapidly turn into gas, causing your stomach to expand and potentially explode. This process is not fun; it is dangerous and can be lethal.

Chemical Properties and Safety Concerns

Even if liquid hydrogen were not toxic, it is still extremely dangerous to consume. At extremely low temperatures, hydrogen is not chemically reactive, but coming into contact with any substance at such a temperature is inherently dangerous. The temperature difference between ambient and liquid hydrogen is significant, making it a hazardous material that should be handled with extreme caution. Hydrogen can ignite and explode if exposed to certain temperatures or materials, such as halogen compounds.

Real-World Considerations

Liquid hydrogen only exists at extremely low temperatures. Most places on Earth do not have the necessary conditions to maintain liquid hydrogen. If you manage to get into contact with it, the immediate risks are far greater than the hypothetical scenario of drinking it. The cold burns and frostbite can cause irreversible damage, and the flammability of the gas can lead to serious burns or explosions.

At a maximum temperature of approximately -240°C at 13 bar (about -400°F), and -253°C at 1 bar (about -423°F), liquid hydrogen is in a state that is not only harmful but also dangerous to handle. The temperature difference from room temperature to such extremes is massive in absolute terms, making it a substance that should be approached with extreme caution.

In conclusion, liquid hydrogen is not safe to drink or handle due to its extremely low temperature and potential for causing frostbite, cold burns, and flammability. It is essential to follow strict safety protocols when handling such substances and to recognize that they are not intended for human consumption.