Airplane Oxygen Masks Get You High

If the oxygen masks ever drop on your flight, you're told to expect a faint burning smell. This isn't a sign of a fire, but proof that your oxygen supply is working. Instead of carrying heavy, pressurized oxygen tanks, most commercial aircraft use chemical oxygen generators. Pulling down on a mask triggers a reaction inside a canister, igniting a core of sodium chlorate and iron powder. This chemical 'candle' burns at over 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and a byproduct of the intense reaction is a steady flow of breathable oxygen piped directly to your mask.

This clever system is a space-and-weight-saving marvel, but it comes with a peculiar side effect. The feeling of mild euphoria (Review) some passengers report is a genuine physiological response. In a high-stress, low-pressure cabin environment, your body is already on high alert. Introducing a sudden rush of highly concentrated oxygen—far richer than the 21% we normally breathe—can induce light-headedness and a sense of calm or giddiness. It's not a narcotic high, but your brain's reaction to an abundance of a vital element during a moment of crisis.