Inhaling carbon dioxide in high enough concentrations can cause asphyxiation. In lower concentrations, the effects may seem less severe or even unnoticeable, but because CO2 has other acute systemic effects on your heart and nervous system, longer exposures to seemingly harmless levels can cause permanent damage. The normal levels of carbon dioxide present in the Earth's atmosphere are about 350 parts per million.
Effects of Low Levels of Exposure
When carbon dioxide is present in the air at concentrations of near 600 parts per million, you will notice that the air begins to feel stuffy, thick and slightly difficult to breathe. At this level, which is only 250 parts per million above your normal tolerance, serious symptoms and permanent damage are unlikely to occur.
Effects of Moderate Exposure
As the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air approaches 1,000 parts per million, some classic symptoms of CO2 poisoning begin to occur. These include difficulty breathing and shortness of breath, as well as increased heart rate, headaches, hyperventilation, fatigue, sweating and possible impairment of hearing. PesticideInfo.org recommends immediate removal to fresh air if these symptoms manifest, and medical attention if the symptoms persist after you have ended your exposure to the harmful levels of CO2. Prolonged exposure to CO2 levels between 1,000 and 5,000 parts per million is considered potentially dangerous to your health, and the high level of CO2 under these conditions can be taken as an indicator that oxygen levels are also dangerously low, according to the Angry Red Planet website on carbon dioxide.
Effects of Exposure to High Levels
When levels reach 15,000 to 30,000 parts per million, severe symptoms begin to manifest within an hour or two of exposure. Angry Red Planet lists dizziness, nausea, shaking, visual hallucination, nausea and vomiting as symptoms that the CO2 level has become dangerously high. At this level of exposure, you may lose consciousness or die from asphyxiation. As with lower levels, PesticideInfo.org recommends immediate removal from the CO2 source and medical attention. Artificial respiration may also be necessary.
Long-Term Effects of Carbon Dioxide Poisoning
In addition to the danger of asphyxiation at high levels, carbon dioxide may also cause long-term nerve damage or cardiovascular conditions such as hypercapnia. When the blood carries a surplus of CO2, its acidity increases, and when your blood pH drops below 7.35 the potential for permanent cell damage occurs. This condition, known as acidosis, may result from long-term exposure to low levels of CO2, so it is important to be aware of the CO2 levels in your home, workplace or other areas in which you spend significant time.
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