A new analysis of U.S. blood chemistry data reveals that atmospheric CO2 levels are leaving measurable traces in human physiology. Researchers examining data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2020 found that serum bicarbonate levels in the population have been steadily increasing, tracking parallel to rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations.

Blood bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphorus levels serve as indirect indicators of CO2 exposure since the gas crosses cell membranes and affects blood chemistry. The study found that while bicarbonate levels have been climbing, both calcium and phosphorus have been declining. If these trends continue, blood bicarbonate values could exceed the accepted healthy range within 50 years, with calcium and phosphorus following suit by century's end.

These findings suggest that rising atmospheric CO2 may be causing subtle but measurable physiological changes in humans. While the research doesn't establish direct causation, it raises concerns about the long-term health implications of continued CO2 emissions. The study underscores the urgent need to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions to protect public health.