Are O2 Levels in the Lower Atmosphere Decreasing?

AI Thread Summary
Concerns are raised about the potential decline of oxygen (O2) levels in the atmosphere, with a connection made to worsening allergies attributed to rising carbon dioxide (CO2) levels. Observations from a recent trip to the mountains highlight a perceived ease of breathing, suggesting higher O2 concentrations compared to valley air. However, it is noted that CO2 levels have only increased by 100 parts per million (0.01%), making it challenging to detect any significant change in O2 levels. The discussion emphasizes the difficulty in measuring such small variations in atmospheric oxygen despite the noticeable differences in air quality experienced in different altitudes.
nuby
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Are O2 levels dropping in our atmosphere? I read something a while ago that mentioned allergies are getting worse due to increasing CO2 levels in atmosphere, so I'm guessing O2 levels are dropping as well. I was in the mountains a week ago (out of a valley), and noticed how easier it is to breath probably due to increased O2 concentrations. But the difference between breathing valley air, and mountain air seems to be getting bigger.
 
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CO2 has 'only' gone up by 100ppm (0.01%) so even if it did you would have a job detecting a change of 0.01% in the amount of oxygen.
 

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