Submitted by purvel t3_zsxwdb in askscience
What I mean is, if we have access to a normal breathing atmosphere through some sort of breathing apparatus, would our bodies otherwise tolerate being in an atmosphere (same pressure as normal) devoid of oxygen? The only answers I was able to produce while searching related to what happens to our bodies in space or on different planets, and that our skin doesn't "breathe", but still absorbs oxygen.
So just as an extreme example, if we were to find another planet with the same pressure and composition as ours but lacking oxygen, or if our own somehow ran out of oxygen, would there be a limit to how long we could stay outside without a suit, aside from the oxygen required to breathe?
Or in other words, what would happen to our bodies if the respiratory system was the only part of us that had access to oxygen (most of the time)?
(not sure if right tag)
team-tree-syndicate t1_j1bypur wrote
As long as your body intakes normal air, and the atmosphere outside is the same pressure as our atmosphere, then I would think that nothing of significance would happen. Being submerged in water and having a breathing apparatus, but not a full diving suit is possible already, so long as the pressure differential isn't significant. Breathing pressurized air deep underwater and then rising up too quick is dangerous due to gas expansion, as well as nitrogen saturation. As for long term side effects, I don't believe it has been tested before in a study. Could be wrong on this though.