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How is climate change affecting the composition of human blood? Are we being "poisoned" by pollution?

2026-09-09 08:41:02Lifestyle SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

How is climate change affecting the composition of human blood? Are we being

The continued increase in carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the atmosphere may be linked not only to climate change, but also to long-term changes in human blood chemistry, according to a new study published in the scientific journal "Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health".

The study, conducted by researchers from Curtin University, the Australian Children's Research Institute and the Australian National University, analyzed US population health data from the national NHANES program for the period 1999–2020.

The researchers specifically looked at blood levels of bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphorus.

The results showed that the average level of bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) in the blood has increased over these two decades, while calcium and phosphorus levels have decreased.

The change in bicarbonate has similarly followed the increase in CO₂ in the atmosphere.

In 1999, the average bicarbonate level was around 23.7–23.8 mEq/L, while in 2019–2020 it reached around 25.3 mEq/L, an increase of approximately 7%.

Why is bicarbonate important?

Bicarbonate is an essential component of the system, helping the body control blood acidity and transport CO₂ to the lungs, where it is eliminated through breathing.

When CO₂ builds up in the body, it is converted into carbonic acid and then into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate.

The body activates compensatory mechanisms, including the kidneys, to maintain acid-base balance.

The researchers note that the increase in bicarbonate in the population is concerning because, if the current trend were to continue linearly, the level would reach the upper limit of the range considered healthy around 2076.

However, this is a projection, not a sure prediction.

The researchers emphasize that the relationship may not be linear and that other factors may have influenced the observed changes.

Does this mean that the air is "poisoning" our blood?

Not directly.

The study did not measure CO₂ in the individuals' blood and did not prove that increased atmospheric CO₂ was the sole cause of the changes in the blood tests.

The authors used changes in bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphorus as indirect indicators of exposure to changes in atmospheric CO₂.

However, the authors argue that the coincidence between the two trends – the increase in atmospheric CO₂ and the change in blood parameters – deserves further investigation.

Another concern is related to the fact that CO₂ concentrations can be much higher indoors than outdoors.

The study cites previous research that has reported physiological effects of exposure to high levels of CO₂, although these should not be confused with the long-term effect of increased atmospheric CO₂.

What could happen in the future?

According to the authors' modeling, if the trends observed between 2000 and 2020 were to continue, blood bicarbonate could reach the upper limit of the range accepted as healthy within about 50 years.

Calcium and phosphorus, following the same pattern, could reach the lower limits of their healthy ranges later this century.

Researchers emphasize that the concrete health consequences of these changes are not yet determined and further studies are required to understand whether atmospheric CO₂ is their cause.

The study was published on February 26, 2026 and was conducted by Alexander N. Larcombe and Phil N. Bierwirth.


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