Surviving Space: The Impact of Hemoglobin Levels on Human Body in a Vacuum

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential survival of someone with a disorder that results in the inability to carry the total of 4 hemoglobin per RBC in space without a suit compared to someone with 100% hemoglobin carrying potential. It is determined that having less ability to maintain oxygen would not result in longer survival as the person would still be consuming the same amount of oxygen. The expansion of the body in space is also discussed, with the conclusion that it is due to the pressure difference and not related to survival.
  • #1
BrigetJameson
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Would someone with a disorder that results in the inability to carry the total of 4 hemoglobin per RBC survive longer in space without a suit (even if just a fraction of a second) than someone with 100% hemoglobin carrying potential due to their decreased O2 level?
 
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  • #2
BrigetJameson said:
Would someone with a disorder that results in the inability to carry the total of 4 hemoglobin per RBC survive longer in space without a suit (even if just a fraction of a second) than someone with 100% hemoglobin carrying potential due to their decreased O2 level?

Why would having less of an ability to maintain oxygen result in them surviving longer?
 
  • #3
Considering that you would die of asphyxiation I would guess that no, it would not, as you would have less oxygen in your blood and still be consuming the same amount as a normal person.
 
  • #4
I was wondering if it would result in less of an expansion of the body
 
  • #5
BrigetJameson said:
I was wondering if it would result in less of an expansion of the body

No. Once oxygen binds inside your blood cells it is no longer a gas. Also, expansion of the body has nothing to do with how long your live in space. Your skin expands but is still airtight, so you aren't bursting at the seams or anything like that. You will lose consciousness quickly and then die from lack of oxygen.
 
  • #6
Thank you. I guess I don't understand why the body expands to begin with. It was explained in class that it is due to how has air pressure as opposed to the lack of any in space.

Can anyone explain why there is any expansion?
 
  • #7

1. How does zero gravity affect the human body?

Zero gravity, or microgravity, can have significant effects on the human body. These include loss of muscle mass and bone density, changes in blood pressure and heart rate, and a decrease in the body's immune system response. These changes are due to the lack of gravity pulling on the body, causing it to adapt to a weightless environment.

2. Can humans survive in space without a spacesuit?

No, humans cannot survive in the vacuum of space without a spacesuit. The lack of air and pressure in space would cause the body's fluids to boil and the lungs to collapse. Additionally, there is no oxygen in space, so a spacesuit is necessary to provide a breathing environment for astronauts.

3. How does prolonged exposure to space radiation affect the human body?

Prolonged exposure to space radiation can have harmful effects on the human body. This includes an increased risk of developing cancer, damage to the central nervous system, and potential damage to DNA. It is important for astronauts to limit their exposure to space radiation by using protective shielding and limiting their time in space.

4. How does the lack of gravity impact the human digestive system?

The lack of gravity in space can cause changes to the human digestive system. Without the pull of gravity, food and liquids do not settle in the stomach as they do on Earth. This can lead to a decrease in appetite and changes in the body's ability to absorb and digest nutrients. Astronauts must follow a strict diet and exercise routine to maintain their health in space.

5. Can the human body adapt to life in space?

Yes, the human body is able to adapt to life in space. However, it requires significant adjustments and training for the body to function optimally in a microgravity environment. Astronauts must engage in regular exercise, follow a specific diet, and undergo specialized training to prepare their bodies for life in space. Additionally, upon returning to Earth, astronauts may experience a readjustment period as their bodies adapt to Earth's gravity once again.

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