Too Much Carbon Dioxide Is Toxic
However, if you breathe high concentrations of carbon dioxide or re-breathe air (such as
from a plastic bag or tent), you may be at risk for carbon dioxide intoxication or even
carbon dioxide poisoning. Carbon dioxide intoxication and
carbon dioxide poisoning are independent of oxygen concentration, so you may have enough oxygen present to support life, yet still suffer from the effects of rising carbon dioxide concentration in your blood and tissues.
The condition of excess carbon dioxide concentration in the blood is called hypercapnia or hypercarbia. Symptoms of carbon dioxide toxicity include high blood pressure, flushed skin, headache and twitching muscles. At higher levels, you could experience panic, irregular heartbeat, hallucinations, vomited and potentially unconsciousness or even death.
There are several potential
causes of hypercapnia. It may result from hypoventilation, diminished consciousness, lung disease, rebreathing air, or exposure to an environment high in CO2 (e.g., near a volcano or geothermal vent or under in some workplaces). It can also occur when supplemental oxygen is administered to a person with sleep apnea.
Diagnosis of hypercapnia is made by measuring blood carbon dioxide gas pressure or pH. A blood gas concentration over 45 mmHg carbon dioxide combined with low serum pH indicates hypercarbia.
