Human Blood Chemistry Shifts with Rising CO2 Levels
A recent study examining two decades of US health data has uncovered a surprising correlation between rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and changes in human physiology. Researchers found that blood bicarbonate levels have increased by approximately 7% since 1999, while calcium and phosphorus levels have declined. These shifts in bodily chemistry are strikingly similar to the changes observed in the Earth's oceans, where increased CO2 absorption has led to a decrease in pH levels and a corresponding increase in bicarbonate concentrations.
The study's findings suggest that the human body may be responding to the growing CO2 levels in the atmosphere by altering its internal chemistry. The increase in blood bicarbonate levels could be a result of the body's attempt to buffer the effects of excess CO2, while the decline in calcium and phosphorus levels may be linked to changes in bone density and mineral metabolism. The researchers' analysis of US health data provides a unique insight into the potential impacts of climate change on human health, highlighting the need for further research into the long-term effects of rising CO2 levels on human physiology.
The implications of this study are far-reaching, and could have significant implications for our understanding of the health impacts of climate change. As the global atmosphere continues to absorb CO2, it is essential that researchers and policymakers work together to better understand the potential consequences for human health and well-being.