Atmospheric CO2 Levels Rise, Scientists Find Strange Changes in Human Blood

The surge in atmospheric carbon dioxide is thought to be beginning to affect the human body. Recent research has identified chemical changes in the blood that appear to occur alongside rising concentrations of carbon dioxide in the air.

The findings are considered important, particularly for children and adolescents. Because they are still growing, they are potentially exposed to higher concentrations of carbon dioxide throughout their lives.

In a study published in the journal Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health, researchers from The Kids Research Institute Australia, Curtin University, and The Australian National University (ANU) found changes in a number of chemical indicators in the blood as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels increased.

The researchers examined population health data from the United States over a period of about 20 years. They used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), analysing blood test results from around 7,000 people collected at two-year intervals from 1999 to 2020.

Since 1999, average serum bicarbonate levels have increased by 7 percent. Bicarbonate is one of the blood markers closely related to carbon dioxide in the body. Over the same period, average calcium and phosphorus levels actually declined.

These biological trends occurred alongside rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, from around 369 parts per million (ppm) in 2000 to more than 420 ppm today. One of the researchers, Professor Alexander Larcombe, said the results suggest the human body may already be adjusting to changes in atmospheric composition.

“What we are seeing is a gradual shift in blood chemistry that reflects the increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide, which is driving climate change,” Larcombe said.