A nitrogen tank can explode if the tank of nitrogen is not properly sealed or if the pressure of the nitrogen in the tank builds up beyond it's limits.
Nitrogen is not flammable or explosive and is also a non toxic gas although when pressure builds up in the nitrogen tank and it's not properly vented, the rapid expansion of the nitrogen gas i n the tank can build up extreme pressure and lead the tank to rupture or explode.
To prevent nitrogen tanks from exploding it's critical to ensure that the liquid nitrogen tanks have proper and adequate pressure relief devices or venting mechanisms.
And even if the nitrogen tank does not explode, the rapid release of nitrogen gas can also displace oxygen in confined spaces and cause asphyxiation.
Liquid nitrogen costs on average of $1.50 to $1.78 per liter although you may be able to get it for less than $1.00 per liter and sometimes as low as $0.13 per liter if you buy in bulk.
The cost for the liquid nitrogen can vary from retailer to retailer.
You cannot buy liquid nitrogen over the counter at just any store but can do so at places that sell oxygen and acetylene and other air products.
However you can buy liquid nitrogen at most welding supply stores, artificial insemination companies or places that sell oxygen, acetylene for torches such as Airgas or even at Praxair.
If you put your hand in liquid nitrogen the liquid nitrogen will pull the heat out from your hand and begin freezing your skin and tissues and the water in you tissues if you don't quickly remove your hand.
If you don't remove your hand quickly you can get severe frostbite and even have severe enough frostbite that your hand freezes enough that you could lose your hand by having to have it amputated.
However you can dip your hand quickly into liquid nitrogen and pull it right out and your hand won't freeze but if you leave your hand in the liquid nitrogen it will start to freeze and cause frostbite.
Liquid nitrogen can hurt you as it gets extremely cold and can easily cause frostbite and skin burns.
Accidental inhalation of liquid nitrogen or ingestion of liquid nitrogen can also cause asphyxiation and airway or gastric perforations due to the extreme cold temperatures of the liquid nitrogen.
Liquid nitrogen gets extremely cold which is -196 C or -320 F which can rapidly freeze and damage your skin and tissue and lead to severe frostbite and cryogenic burns.
Liquid nitrogen poses significant dangers to people due to it's extreme cold temperatures and so you must be vary cautious when using liquid nitrogen.
The liquid nitrogen can also displace oxygen and lead to asphyxiation.
The liquid nitrogen can also rapidly boil and expand into a gas and can potentially cause pressure buildup in closed containers and cause explosions if not properly vented.
Also when liquid nitrogen comes into contact with objects that are warmer, it can also rapidly boil and splatter or spit and cause accidental contact and injury.
And inhaling nitrogen gas, especially at high concentrations can also lead to nausea, dizziness and even unconsciousness as well as death in severe cases.
And even indirect contact with surfaces which have been cooled with liquid nitrogen can easily cause frostbite.
And if splashed into the eyes, the liquid nitrogen can also cause severe eye damage.
When your skin comes in contact with liquid nitrogen, the surrounding skin will become red and begin to swell within minutes after freezing and in most cases blisters will also form within 3 to 6 hours.
There will also often be a small amount of bleeding into the blister that will turn it dark purple or black and is expected and not a cause for concern.
If you come into contact with liquid nitrogen you should go to urgent care or the ER to be safe, especially if you had a severe burn.
For a small burn from liquid nitrogen you should be just fine but if you're concerned you should seek medical attention.