Why is it that higher concentrations of CO2 in our environment is harmful to the brain?
In: Chemistry
Currently, atmospheric CO2 is *not* at a level that is harmful to our brains (~400 parts per million).
Indoors, it is very easy for CO2 to exceed 1,500 parts per million; at that level, people can feel sleepy or have trouble concentrating.
The cells of your brain, like many other cells in your body, need oxygen to live (more specifically to produce energy). So, if concentration of CO2 rises, the concentration of other gases, such as oxygen, decreases. So, if you breathe normally (at a normal pace or with a normal air intake) in an environment where CO2 concentration is higher, you’re taking in less oxygen and your cells have less oxygen available to produce energy.
So, if CO2 concentration is high enough, it could be harmful for your brain (and not only that).
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