The Rising CO2 Concern: A Threat to Our Blood Chemistry?
A recent study has uncovered a startling revelation: the increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in our atmosphere are not just a climate change concern but may also be impacting our blood chemistry. This finding, based on 20 years of health data from a US population database, suggests that higher exposure to CO2 is causing shifts in blood chemistry that could have significant implications for human health.
The study, conducted by respiratory physiologist Alexander Larcombe of Curtin University in Australia and retired geoscientist Phil Bierwirth, found that average bicarbonate levels in the blood have risen by about 7% over the study period, mirroring the rise in atmospheric CO2. This increase is concerning because it suggests that the body's ability to maintain healthy pH levels may be compromised.
According to the researchers' modeling, if current trends continue, some blood chemistry values could approach the limit of today's accepted healthy range by around 2076. This could lead to physiological changes at the population level, as the body struggles to adapt to the higher CO2 levels.
The study also found that calcium and phosphorus levels in the cohort showed the opposite trend, with calcium dropping by 2% and phosphorus by 7%. This may be related to the fact that when carbon dioxide dissolves in the bloodstream, it alters the body's acid-base balance, leading to changes in pH levels and the body's ability to maintain healthy mineral levels.
The implications of these findings are significant, as they suggest that the rising CO2 levels in our atmosphere may be having a more profound impact on our health than previously thought. While the shifts in blood chemistry are currently small and within the body's tolerable range, the parallel rise in CO2 levels is striking. As CO2 levels continue to rise, it may become increasingly difficult for the body to adapt, leading to potential health issues.
The research has been published in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, and it highlights the need for further investigation into the impact of rising CO2 levels on human health. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, this study serves as a reminder that the consequences of our actions may extend far beyond what we can see, and it is crucial to take action to mitigate the impact of rising CO2 levels on our planet and our health.
