Study Links Rising CO2 to 7% Blood Bicarbonate Increase Since 1999
Updated
Updated · ScienceDaily · Aug 16
Study Links Rising CO2 to 7% Blood Bicarbonate Increase Since 1999
3 articles · Updated · ScienceDaily · Aug 16
Summary
U.S. health data from roughly 7,000 people show average blood bicarbonate levels rose about 7% between 1999 and 2020, a shift researchers say closely tracks rising atmospheric CO2.
Atmospheric CO2 climbed from about 369 ppm in 2000 to more than 420 ppm today, and the body may retain extra bicarbonate to keep blood pH stable as exposure increases.
The same analysis found calcium and phosphorus levels declined over the period, with modeling suggesting bicarbonate could approach the upper end of today's healthy range within 50 years.
Researchers said the study does not prove direct causation, but argued the population-wide pattern warrants monitoring as a potential long-term public health risk, especially for children and teenagers.