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Greenhouse Gases Alter Blood Composition, Study Warns of Health Limits Within 50 Years

From Hankyoreh · (13m ago) Korean Critical tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Rising carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are altering blood composition in humans, according to a joint study by Australian universities.
  • Analysis of US health data from 1999-2020 shows a significant increase in blood bicarbonate and decreases in calcium and phosphorus, correlating with CO2 concentration.
  • Researchers warn that if current trends continue, the body's physiological regulatory capacity could reach its limit within 50 years, posing a long-term public health risk.

A groundbreaking study by Curtin University and the Australian National University has revealed a disturbing link between increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide and changes in human blood composition. The research, published in the journal 'Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health,' utilized data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning from 1999 to 2020. It found a consistent alteration in blood chemistry, specifically a rise in bicarbonate levels and a fall in calcium and phosphorus, directly correlated with the escalating concentration of CO2 in the air.

This suggests a potential causal relationship between atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and blood bicarbonate levels.

— Study researchersExplaining the correlation found between rising CO2 levels and changes in blood chemistry.

This isn't just an environmental issue; it's a direct threat to our health. The study highlights that our bodies are attempting to compensate for the increased acidity caused by higher CO2 levels. Bicarbonate acts as a buffer, and its increase in the blood signifies the body's struggle to maintain its delicate acid-alkali balance. However, this compensatory mechanism comes at a cost. The depletion of calcium and phosphorus, essential minerals that also help neutralize acidity, can lead to serious health problems. A significant portion of these minerals is drawn from our bones, raising concerns about long-term bone health.

If this trend continues, the body's physiological regulatory capacity could reach its limit within 50 years.

— Study researchersWarning about the long-term health consequences of sustained exposure to elevated CO2.

The implications are stark: if these trends persist, the researchers warn that human physiological regulation could reach its limits within the next 50 years. While the study doesn't predict immediate widespread illness, it points to a gradual physiological shift occurring within individuals. This research compels us to view rising CO2 not merely as a driver of climate change, but as a critical public health variable that demands urgent attention. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of our environment and our internal health, urging a reevaluation of how we address greenhouse gas emissions.

While it's not to say people will suddenly get sick past a certain threshold, there could be gradual physiological changes happening at an individual level.

— Alexander Larcombe, co-author of the paperDescribing the potential individual health impacts of the observed blood changes.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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