Rising CO2 Could Be Shifting Human Blood Chemistry, Study Finds
A 20-year analysis of NHANES data (about 7,000 people) shows blood bicarbonate rising about 7% as atmospheric CO2 climbs from ~369 ppm to over 420 ppm, with calcium and phosphorus dipping, suggesting the body may be adapting to higher CO2; the study notes correlation, not causation, but warns of potential population-level health implications and recommends monitoring CO2 alongside biomarkers as climate policy considerations evolve.