The biggest danger on Mount Everest is the extreme altitude and resulting low oxygen levels.
At Mount Everest's base camp (5,364m), the amount of available oxygen is only about 50% of what you'd find at sea level. This drops even further to less than 30% at the summit. This low oxygen environment puts climbers at a significant risk of developing acute mountain sickness, among other potentially deadly conditions.
| Location | Oxygen Availability |
|---|---|
| Sea Level | 100% |
| Everest Base Camp | ~50% |
| Everest Summit | <30% |
Here's why low oxygen is so dangerous:
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Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): This can lead to headaches, nausea, fatigue, and in severe cases, life-threatening cerebral or pulmonary edema (fluid buildup in the brain or lungs).
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High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): A severe form of AMS where the brain swells with fluid. It can cause confusion, loss of coordination, coma, and death.
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High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid accumulation in the lungs due to low oxygen levels. Symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, and weakness. HAPE can be fatal if not treated promptly.
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Hypoxia: A general lack of oxygen to the body's tissues, which can impair cognitive function, physical performance, and overall health.
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Frostbite and Hypothermia: The extreme cold, combined with the body's weakened state due to low oxygen, increases the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
