Abstract
In this study, 24subjects (20-58years) were exposed to carbon dioxide (CO2 ) at 770ppm and 20000ppm in an exposure laboratory for 4-h, including 2×15min 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 20000ppm CO2 compared to 770ppm. However, the values remained within the normal range. In addition, respiratory rate increased slightly but significantly at 20000ppm 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 20000ppm CO2 , neither as direct effect on central nervous system function nor as a distraction related to perception of health effects.
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