The Impact of No Oxygen Breathing on Human Lifespan

Imagine a world where humans do not need oxygen to breathe. Would we live longer? This hypothetical scenario raises a multitude of questions about the biological and ecological implications. While we cannot be certain, scientific understanding and theoretical insights help us explore the potential outcomes.

The Role of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Brain Injury

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) play a significant role in cellular function and can cause damage. ROS are byproducts of oxygen metabolism and can lead to oxidative stress, which potentially damages cells. This theory has sparked debates about the aging process and the maximum human lifespan of around 75 to 100 years. However, no verified scientific studies or empirical data support the claim that the absence of oxygen would significantly extend human lifespans.

Our current understanding is that the absence of oxygen to the brain can cause irreparable damage to the higher functions within three minutes. This leads us to conclude that humans, as we know them, cannot survive without oxygen.

Organisms without Oxygen

The presence of anaerobic organisms, such as certain viruses and deep-sea extremophiles, exist without oxygen. These organisms, such as certain bacteria and some crustaceans, have evolved to use different molecules or elements for energy transport. While these organisms can survive without oxygen, they are not a model for humans living in an oxygen-free environment.

For instance, some extremophiles found in deep-sea vents use sulfur or other elements as energy sources instead of oxygen. These organisms have adapted to thrive in environments where oxygen is not available. However, they do not represent a viable model for human existence in such conditions.

Ecological and Economic Implications

The absence of oxygen for human beings would have profound ecological and economic consequences. According to Google, a human uses approximately 550 liters of oxygen per day. If we consider the global population, this equates to roughly 1.5 quadrillion liters of oxygen annually. The removal or addition of this volume of oxygen would undoubtedly affect the Earth's atmosphere and ecosystems.

Adding this volume of oxygen would require significant resources and could disrupt natural cycles. Additionally, the cost of maintaining an oxygen-rich environment could be reduced, making activities such as space travel, medical care, and underwater exploration cheaper. There would also be a significant decrease in the need for lifeguards, as the risk of drowning would decrease.

Health and Social Implications

Humans who do not need oxygen for breathing might face new health challenges and social dynamics. Trapped individuals, such as those in small, oxygen-deprived environments, would starve before suffocating. Cigarette smoking might increase as a coping mechanism or a means to address health issues. As lungs would be seen as unnecessary, the occurrence of lung cancer could be ignored or addressed through surgical removal.

The implications in the world of sports would be revolutionary. With oxygen no longer a limiting factor, cardiovascular health would no longer be constrained by lung capacity. High elevations would become easier to navigate, and the use of oxygen masks in airplanes would be unnecessary.

In conclusion, while the idea of living without oxygen is intriguing, the current scientific understanding suggests that the absence of oxygen would not significantly extend human lifespans. However, the broader implications for ecology, economy, and society are vast and would need to be carefully considered and managed.