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Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels may have subtle long-term effects on human biology alongside their role in climate change, a public health expert has warned.
Dr. Nazmi Bilir, a specialist in internal medicine and public health, told Anadolu Agency that while current CO2 levels are not high enough to cause immediate health problems, gradual increases could influence the body’s acid–base balance and blood chemistry.
He noted that CO2 forms carbonic acid in the bloodstream, which can affect blood pH regulation. Since blood pH is tightly maintained within a narrow range of about 7.3 to 7.4, even small shifts may impact metabolic processes.
Bilir said that in rare cases, slightly elevated CO2 environments may be associated with symptoms such as breathing difficulty, palpitations, and irregular heart rhythms, though such cases are uncommon under current conditions.
His comments follow a study published in a Springer Nature journal analyzing US NHANES data from 1999 to 2020 alongside rising atmospheric CO2 levels.
The study found a roughly 7% increase in serum bicarbonate levels over time, alongside small declines in calcium and phosphorus levels. Researchers suggested these trends may reflect long-term physiological responses to increasing CO2, though all values remained within normal clinical ranges and no direct causation was established.
Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring atmospheric gas essential for regulating Earth’s temperature, but its concentration has increased significantly due to human activities such as fossil fuel use, industrial production, and transportation.
Bilir emphasized that there is no immediate health threat for the general population at current CO2 levels, but said the potential long-term biological effects of continued increases warrant further monitoring and study.
The expert called for stronger efforts to reduce emissions, including expanded use of renewable energy, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and increased reforestation to enhance natural carbon absorption.
“There are sources that produce carbon dioxide and systems that absorb it. This balance needs to be improved,” he said.
He added that environmental policies and climate regulations will play an important role in managing both climate risks and potential long-term health considerations.
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