What happens if we breathe twice as much oxygen now?

Although accounting for only 21% of the atmosphere, oxygen is the most important gas for the survival of living organisms on Earth. From this fact, have you ever wondered what we would inherit if oxygen levels were doubled on Earth?

Here are the biggest impacts when oxygen levels rise significantly on our planet.

Impact on animals

Spiders, cockroaches and many other creepy reptile species that always make us terrified will become bigger and bigger in size. These tiny organisms breathe through small pipes - called trachea, so as more and more oxygen passes through these tubes, their bodies become "bulging" and their size grows. The dragonfly will be as big as a hawk, while the spider will be so big that it will swallow a pigeon.

However, you do not need to worry about your safety against these monsters because you will always be able to get rid of them. Because more oxygen is supplied in the lungs, with each breath, your stamina is significantly increased. Oxygen-rich blood will be pumped through a vein to provide energy for the muscles, and if the blood is better circulated, people will be more agile and focused. Athletes' track record for athletes will improve "speed", breaking previous world records so that new records are set in the future of the oxygen-rich world.

Picture 1 of What happens if we breathe twice as much oxygen now?
Twice as much oxygen as it is now, athletes' track record of athletes will improve "speed."

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell, an important contributor to the human immune system by using oxygen to fight illness. These cells will increase resistance to viruses and harmful bacteria because more oxygen is supplied, from which we are less sick and have a fever.

While it offers so many benefits, excess oxygen will also pull your health down. If the body in your body exerts too much effort by absorbing too much oxygen, you are easily exhausted and leave serious life-related consequences. Deaths due to exhaustion are now more common than deaths caused by illness.

Impact on plant life

If doubling the concentration of oxygen on Earth, the most noticeable changes would be the acceleration of processes like respiration and burning . Because oxygen is more present, forest fires will become larger and more devastating; Even humid vegetation cannot become a "shield" . Everything is at risk of more fire.

At the same time, processes such as photosynthesis will be delayed due to lower concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere. The current green vegetation will give way to a prehistoric moss-and-mushroom-like landscape.

Impact on the mountains

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If the oxygen concentration is doubled, living at such a height will no longer have any serious problems.

For dusty travelers and backpackers or dreaming of castles above the cloud, or living on the highest peaks, low oxygen levels above always make the journey difficult. However, with a more optimistic perspective, if the oxygen concentration is doubled in the atmosphere, breathing problems will be the least common problem and living at such a height will no longer have any problems. serious problem.

This soon led people to occupy the area of ​​mountainous areas and turn them into living areas for the people, eventually degrading natural and soil quality. The ice on the mountain peaks will dissolve significantly while the habitat for plants and animals will thrive there.

Impact on the Earth's atmosphere

Picture 3 of What happens if we breathe twice as much oxygen now?
Higher oxygen concentrations help birds fly higher in the sky and fly longer.

As the concentration of oxygen increases, the air density in the atmosphere will also increase. This will allow airplanes, gliders, parachutes and birds to fly higher in the sky and fly for longer periods. Higher oxygen levels will also create a thicker atmosphere, which helps scatter more sunlight, making the sky look greener and lowering the air temperature.

Impact on machines

Oxygen in the fuel improves engine efficiency by reducing the amount of nitrogen entering the engine, causing the engine to heat up. If the heat is less, the efficiency is improved and fuel consumption will be reduced. This phenomenon will undoubtedly lead to a better future for industries and automated machinery around the world.

However, if more fuel is burned, the machine will emit more emissions, eventually paralyzing the atmosphere.

Conclude

If we look through history, we will see that the consequences often follow a situation that looks good. The benefits gained by doubling the amount of oxygen on Earth are appealing, but we will have to pay for a shorter life and a more unpredictable scenario for the planet.

We should feel lucky that our planet perfectly balances the elements. Although the amount of oxygen only accounts for 21% sounds low when considering the billions of people who are breathing in the stuffy atmosphere, but now you know how dangerous life will be if the universe changes in quantity. gas on Earth!