Now that I have your attention, let’s talk about the pros and cons of inhaled carbon dioxide.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is generally thought of as a bad thing. Engineers usually monitor indoor CO2 levels as an indicator of appropriate ventilation to manage unpleasant smells such as body odors, but they do not consider it a toxin itself. Public opinion tends be more negative, regarding CO2 as only a waste product or even a toxin, sometimes confusing it with carbon monoxide. In fact, this is far from true! Let’s take a closer look at the role of this maligned little molecule in human (and all mammalian) physiology so that we can strive for ventilation that promotes health without becoming excessive.