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Study Links Rising Atmospheric CO2 to Detectable Changes in Human Blood Chemistry

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Rising Atmospheric CO2 Linked to Detectable Shifts in Human Blood Chemistry

A new study indicates that the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is detectable and measurable in human blood, showing shifts consistent with higher CO2 exposure over two decades. Researchers analyzed 20 years of health data from a US population database.

Key Findings

  • Scientists observed changes in blood chemistry aligning with increased CO2 exposure.
  • Between 1999 and 2020, average blood bicarbonate concentration rose by approximately 7 percent (from 23.8 to 25.3 milliequivalents per liter).
  • During the same period, calcium levels decreased by 2 percent and phosphorus levels dropped by 7 percent in the study cohort.
  • Atmospheric CO2 levels have significantly risen, from around 369 ppm in 2000 to approximately 420 ppm today, paralleling the observed blood chemistry shifts.

Mechanism and Implications

In human blood, CO2 transforms into bicarbonate, which helps maintain healthy pH. When CO2 dissolves in the bloodstream, it alters the body's acid-base balance. Kidneys respond by conserving bicarbonate, and bones can buffer acid through mineral exchange, including calcium and phosphorus.

While current shifts are minor and within the body's tolerable range, researchers project that if current trends persist, average bicarbonate levels could approach the upper limit of the accepted healthy range within 50 years. Calcium and phosphorus levels could also reach the lower end of their healthy ranges later this century.

If current trends persist, average bicarbonate levels could approach the upper limit of the accepted healthy range within 50 years.

Researcher Perspective

Respiratory physiologist Alexander Larcombe of Curtin University stated that the observed gradual shift in blood chemistry mirrors the rise in atmospheric CO2. Geoscientist Phil Bierwirth, affiliated with the Australian National University, suggested that human bodies may not be adapting to these CO2 levels, which are higher than humans have historically experienced. He emphasized the importance of limiting atmospheric CO2 levels.

The research utilized blood chemistry data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and was published in Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health.