Effects of Various O2 Levels
Concentration Of Oxygen Resulting Conditions on Humans
23.5% Volume Maximum "Safe Level"; OSHA
21% Oxygen Concentration of AIR (20.954)
19.5% Minimum "Safe Level"; OSHA, NIOSH
17% Impairment of judgment starts to be evident
16% First signs of anoxia appears
16-12% Breathing and pulse rate increases, muscular co-ordination is slightly impaired
14-10% Consciousness continuous; emotional upsets, abnormal fatigue upon exertion, disturbed respiration
10-6% Nausea and vomiting, inability to move freely and loss of consciousness may occur
<6% Convulsive movements and gasping respiration occurs; respiration stops and a few minutes later heart action ceases |