Hengitysilmajä

Hengitysilmajä, also known as breathing air or respired air, refers to the mixture of gases that enters and leaves the lungs during respiration. Primarily composed of nitrogen (approximately 78%) and oxygen (approximately 21%), hengitysilmajä also contains smaller amounts of other gases, including argon, carbon dioxide, and trace elements. The exact composition can vary slightly depending on atmospheric conditions and altitude.

During inhalation, hengitysilmajä enters the respiratory system, where oxygen is transferred to the bloodstream for cellular metabolism. Carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is simultaneously transferred from the blood into the lungs. During exhalation, this altered mixture of gases, now enriched with carbon dioxide and depleted of oxygen, is expelled from the body. The composition of exhaled air typically contains about 78% nitrogen, 16% oxygen, and 4-5% carbon dioxide, along with water vapor.

The quality of hengitysilmajä is crucial for maintaining health. Pollutants, such as particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and other airborne contaminants, can negatively impact respiratory and overall well-being. Ensuring clean and breathable air is a significant public health concern, leading to regulations and initiatives aimed at reducing air pollution. The study of hengitysilmajä and its effects is a core component of respiratory physiology and environmental science.