Physiological responses, self-reported health effects, and cognitive performance during exposure to carbon dioxide at 20 000 ppm

Abstract

In this study, 24 subjects (20-58 years) were exposed to carbon dioxide (CO₂ ) at 770 ppm and 20 000 ppm in an exposure laboratory for 4-h, including 2 × 15 min of cycling to investigate the effects on acid-base balance, physiological responses, cognitive performance and acute health. Capillary blood analysis, heart rate, respiratory rate, divided attention, flexibility, and sustained attention from the Test Battery for Attentional Performance (TAP), critical flicker fusion frequency (CFF), and self-reported symptoms were measured before, during, and after the 4-h exposure. Blood pH decreased and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂ ) increased significantly when exposed to 20 000 ppm CO₂ compared to 770 ppm. However, the values remained within the normal range. In addition, respiratory rate increased slightly but significantly at 20 000 ppm CO₂ . No significant changes in heart rate, CFF, task performance or acute health were found. In sum, the findings suggest that the observed changes in acid-base balance and ventilation can be classified as physiological adaptation responses. Impairment of cognitive performance is not expected from exposure to 20 000 ppm CO₂ , neither as direct effect on central nervous system function nor as a distraction related to perception of health effects.

Keywords: acid-base balance; acute health effects; carbon dioxide; cognitive performance; cycling exercise; physiological responses.