What are the long term health effects of exposure to carbon dioxide gas?
Several studies have monitored workers repeatedly exposed to elevated levels of CO2 gas. Exposure to 1-1.5% for 42-44 days caused a reversible acid-base imbalance in the blood and an increased volume of air inhaled/minute (minute volume). In another study, harmful effects were not observed in 19 brewery cellar workers repeatedly exposed to average concentrations of 1.1% CO2, with levels occasionally up to 8% for a few moments. Submarine occupants exposed to 3% CO2, 16 hours/day for several weeks experienced flushing of the skin, an impaired response of the circulatory system to exercise, a fall in blood pressure, decreased oxygen consumption, and impaired attentiveness. Adaptation to some of the effects of long-term exposure to CO2 has been reported. Will carbon dioxide gas cause cancer? There is no human information available. One limited animal study cannot be evaluated. Will carbon dioxide gas cause any problems with my reproductive system? There is no human information available. N
