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A simple asphyxiant can cause suffocation without being toxic itself because it primarily displaces oxygen in the environment, leading to a reduction of breathable air. These substances, such as nitrogen, argon, and carbon dioxide, are not inherently harmful at lower concentrations but become dangerous when they replace oxygen in the air. The key characteristic of a simple asphyxiant is its ability to create an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, resulting in suffocation if inhaled in high concentrations.

In contrast, other types of asphyxiants, like chemical asphyxiants, actively interfere with the body’s ability to transport or utilize oxygen, often being toxic in nature. Corrosive asphyxiants can cause damage to the respiratory tract, and environmental asphyxiants typically refer to the broader context of conditions in an environment that may lead to asphyxiation, such as confined spaces where oxygen levels are low. These distinctions highlight why the simple asphyxiant is unique in its mechanism of causing suffocation without introducing toxicity.