Carbon dioxide tolerability and toxicity in rat and man: A translational study

Background: Due the increasing need for storage of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) more individuals are prone to be exposed to high concentrations of CO(2) accidentally released into atmosphere, with deleterious consequences. Methods: We tested the effect of increasing CO(2) concentrations in humans (6–12%) and rats (10–50%) at varying inhalation times (10–60 min). In humans, a continuous positive airway pressure helmet was used to deliver the gas mixture to the participants. Unrestrained rats were exposed to CO(2) in a transparent chamber. In both species regular arterial blood gas samples were obtained. After the studies, the lungs of the animals were examined for macroscopic and microscopic abnormalities. Results: In humans, CO(2) concentrations of 9% inhaled for >10 min, and higher concentrations inhaled for <10 min were poorly or not tolerated due to exhaustion, anxiety, dissociation or acidosis (pH < 7.2), despite intact oxygenation. In rats, concentrations of 30% and higher were associated with CO(2) narcosis, epilepsy, poor oxygenation and, at 50% CO(2), spontaneous death. Lung hemorrhage and edema were observed in the rats at inhaled concentrations of 30% and higher. Conclusion: This study provides essential insight into the occurrence of physiological changes in humans and fatalities in rats after acute exposure to high levels of CO(2). Humans tolerate 9% CO(2) and retain their ability to function coherently for up to 10 min. These data support reconsideration of the current CO(2) levels (<7.5%) that pose a risk to exposed individuals (<7.5%) as determined by governmental agencies to ≤9%.