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We’ve all seen pictures of mounaineers with oxygen masks, but why is this necessary? Is it lack of oxygen in the air, or something else?
It is a common misunderstanding that there is less oxygen in the air at altitude. This is wrong. Oxygen makes up approximately 23% of the air at sea level, and its the same on top of Mount Everest. So what's the problem.
The short answer is air density. The air on top of Mount Everest is around 30% in volume compared to air at sea level. That means to get the same amount of air and oxygen into your body, you'd need to breathe 3 times as fast. The body simply can't process the air that quickly, so you need an oxygen supply.
Lack of oxygen at altitude presents its own medical problems such as mountain sickness which can lead to disorientation, anorexia and even death! This is why mountaineers always have an oxygen supply with them when at altitude.
Care02 is a leading supplier of oxygen for use in the home, for medical reasons, and whilst travelling. For more information, contact us.
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