Ignoble Gas: The Questionable Role of Xenon in Rapid Ascents of Mount Everest

Manferdelli, Giorgio, Marc M. Berger, and Andrew M. Luks. Ignoble gas: The questionable role of xenon in rapid ascents of Mount Everest. High Alt Med Biol. 26:339-346, 2025.-Beyond the logistical, technical, and physiological challenges associated with climbing extremely high mountains such as Mount Everest, an important feature of such expeditions is their long duration. Among the strategies used in recent years to reduce expedition duration, one particularly novel approach was implemented during Everest expeditions in 2024 and 2025-inhalation of the noble gas xenon prior to the expeditions. Despite the tremendous attention this approach received in the media, significant questions remain as to whether it is truly effective at improving acclimatization and shortening the duration of expeditions. This review examines this issue in greater detail. After providing background information on xenon, the review examines potential rationales for xenon's use in the mountains, assesses the risks of xenon administration, and considers other aspects of the expedition protocol that likely affected the odds of summit success. Based on this analysis, there is no basis for widespread implementation of xenon inhalation at this time. Evidence of benefit is lacking, and there are strong reasons to believe other aspects of the expedition protocol contributed significantly to the expeditions' outcomes. Much further research on these questions is warranted before any more climbers should engage in this potentially risky practice.