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Rising Carbon Dioxide Levels May Alter Human Blood Chemistry, Study Reveals

KVIA•Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 11:00 AM•CNN Newsource

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A recent study highlights alarming changes in human blood chemistry associated with rising carbon dioxide levels due to fossil fuel consumption. Researchers analyzed over two decades of health data from approximately 7,000 Americans and found that average blood bicarbonate levels have increased by 7% since 1999, tracking the rise in atmospheric CO2, which has surpassed 420 ppm. If these trends continue, unhealthy bicarbonate levels could emerge within the next 50 years, alongside concerning declines in blood calcium and phosphorus levels. While the study suggests a link between CO2 and blood chemistry changes, further research is necessary to fully understand the health implications, especially for vulnerable populations like children.

Key Details: • Average blood bicarbonate levels increased by 7% since 1999. • Atmospheric CO2 levels have risen to over 420 ppm, the highest in human history. • Potential health impacts could emerge in the next 50 years if trends continue. • Blood calcium levels decreased by 2%, and phosphorus levels dropped by around 7% since 1999. • Further research is needed to confirm findings and explore long-term health effects.

environment public-health climate-change carbon-dioxide blood-chemistry

People & Organizations

Alex LarcombePhilip BierwithKristie EbiThe Kids Research Institute AustraliaAustralian National UniversityUniversity of Washington

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