Editing Xenon (section)

==== Sports doping and mountaineering ====
Inhaling a xenon/oxygen mixture activates production of the [[transcription factor]] [[HIF1A|HIF-1-alpha]], which may lead to increased production of [[erythropoietin]]. The latter hormone is known to increase [[red blood cell]] production and athletic performance. Reportedly, doping with xenon inhalation has been used in Russia since 2004 and perhaps earlier.<ref>{{cite news
| title     = Breathe it in
| url       = https://www.economist.com/news/science-and-technology/21595890-obscure-gas-improves-athletes-performance-breathe-it
| newspaper = [[The Economist]]
| date      = February 8, 2014
}}</ref> On August 31, 2014, the [[World Anti Doping Agency]] (WADA) added xenon (and [[argon]]) to the list of prohibited substances and methods, although no reliable doping tests for these gases have yet been developed.<ref>{{cite news
| title        = WADA amends Section S.2.1 of 2014 Prohibited List
| url          = https://www.wada-ama.org/en/media/2014-05/wada-amends-section-s21-of-2014-prohibited-list
| date         = August 31, 2014
| access-date  = September 1, 2014
| archive-date = April 27, 2021
| archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20210427160909/https://www.wada-ama.org/en/media/2014-05/wada-amends-section-s21-of-2014-prohibited-list#.VARJ3WNqOIl
| url-status   = dead
}}</ref> In addition, effects of xenon on erythropoietin production in humans have not been demonstrated, so far.<ref>{{cite journal
| last       = Jelkmann
| first      = W.
| s2cid      = 55832101
| title      = Xenon Misuse in Sports
| journal    = Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin
| publisher  = Deutsche Zeitschrift für Sportmedizin/German Journal of Sports Medicine
| volume     = 2014
| issue      = 10
| year       = 2014
| pages      = 267–71
| doi        = 10.5960/dzsm.2014.143
| doi-access = free
}}</ref>

In 2025, a [[Mount Everest]] expedition team planned to inhale xenon gas 10 days before their expedition to allow for an ascent of the mountain within a week's time due to supposed erythropoietin production. The [[International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation]] (UIAA) criticised the decision, citing that there is no evidence that the inhalation of xenon improves performance in high elevation environments. Furthermore, the UIAA warned that as an anesthetic, xenon gas could result in impaired brain function, respiratory compromise, and death if used in an unmonitored setting.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Woodyatt |first=Amy |date=2025-05-13 |title=They want to climb Everest in a week using an anesthetic gas. Critics warn it’s dangerous |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/13/travel/climb-everest-one-week-xenon-intl |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-04-29 |title=Can Mount Everest really be climbed in a week? |url=https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20250428-can-mount-everest-really-be-climbed-in-a-week |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref>