Yes, breathing 100% oxygen can be bad for you, especially over extended periods.
The Effects of Breathing Pure Oxygen
While supplemental oxygen is crucial in various medical situations, breathing pure (100%) oxygen for too long can lead to several adverse effects, including:
- Oxygen Toxicity: High concentrations of oxygen can damage the lungs, causing inflammation and fluid buildup.
- Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): Prolonged exposure to pure oxygen can lead to ARDS, a severe lung condition characterized by shortness of breath and fluid accumulation in the lungs. It's sometimes referred to as "shock lung."
- Lung Damage: Over time, breathing 100% oxygen can damage the lining of the airways, making it harder to breathe.
Why 100% Oxygen is Used (Briefly) in Medical Settings
Hospitals sometimes administer 100% oxygen for short periods, typically less than 24 hours and preferably less than 12 hours, to rapidly improve oxygen levels in critically ill patients. This is done under close medical supervision to weigh the benefits against the risks of oxygen toxicity. The goal is to stabilize the patient quickly and then reduce the oxygen concentration as soon as possible.
Safe Oxygen Levels
Ideally, the oxygen concentration a person breathes should be closer to that of normal air (around 21%). Medical professionals carefully adjust oxygen levels for patients requiring supplemental oxygen to balance the need for sufficient oxygen with the risk of oxygen toxicity.
