| Oxygen Content (% by Volume) |
Effects and Symptoms
(At Atmospheric Pressure) |
| 19.5% |
Minimum permissible oxygen level. |
| 15-19% |
Decreased ability to workstrenuously. May impair coordinationand may induce early symptoms inpersons with coronary, pulmonary, or circulatory problems |
| 12-14% |
Respiration increases in exertion, pulse up, impaired coordination, perception, judgement. |
| 10-12% |
Respiration further increases in rate and depth, poor judgement, lips blue. |
| 8-10% |
Mental failure, fainting, unconsciousness, ashen face, blueness of lips, nausea, and vomiting. |
| 6-8% |
8 minutes, 100% fatal; 6 minutes, 50% fatal; 4-5 minutes, recovery with treatment. |
| 4-6% |
Coma in 40 seconds, convulsions, respiration ceases, death.These values are approximate and vary as to the individual’s state of health and his physical activities. |
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