As global carbon emissions continue to rise, human blood chemistry is undergoing changes, with potentially significant health implications, according to a new study.
The research indicates that the human body is attempting to compensate for increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere and bloodstream by raising bicarbonate levels. Bicarbonate acts as the body's primary chemical buffer, working to prevent blood from becoming too acidic.
While this compensatory mechanism can absorb some of the excess CO2, it has limitations. Even moderately elevated CO2 levels, similar to those found in poorly ventilated indoor spaces, have been linked to short-term effects such as headaches, fatigue, and diminished concentration and decision-making abilities. Over longer periods, studies on animals suggest potential risks including oxidative stress, inflammation, calcification of tissues in the kidneys and arteries, and adverse effects on bone health.
In addition to the rise in bicarbonate, the study observed a concurrent decrease in calcium and phosphorus levels within the blood. The body's response to higher CO2 involves drawing CO2 molecules from the blood and storing them in bones as carbonate. This process also leads to the depletion of calcium and phosphorus from the blood, as these minerals are crucial for facilitating this storage mechanism.