Can a Human Breathe at 35,000 Feet?
At 35,000 feet, the air is much thinner than what most humans breathe on the ground. In fact, the atmospheric pressure at this altitude is about one-third of what it is on the ground. This means that the oxygen level is much lower and can present a challenge for human breathing.
Atmospheric Pressure: Atmospheric pressure is the pressure exerted by the atmosphere of Earth or any other planet. It is measured by the height of a column of mercury in a barometer. At sea level, the atmospheric pressure is about 1,013 millibars, which is equivalent to 760 millimeters of mercury.
Hypoxia: Hypoxia is a condition characterized by a lack of oxygen in the body. Symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, confusion, or impaired vision. Severe cases of hypoxia can cause loss of consciousness and even death.
At 35,000 feet, the air is so thin that humans can experience hypoxia due to the lack of oxygen. Without supplemental oxygen, a person can only survive at this altitude for a few minutes before passing out. Even with supplemental oxygen, it is still difficult to breathe and can cause nausea and fatigue.
In order to avoid the dangers of hypoxia, planes are pressurized so that the air pressure inside the cabin is similar to that at sea level. This allows people to breathe normally without having to use supplemental oxygen. However, if the plane loses cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling for passengers and crew to use.
Overall, it is not possible for humans to breathe without supplemental oxygen at 35,000 feet. However, with the help of pressurization and supplemental oxygen, it is possible to fly at this altitude without experiencing any of the adverse effects of hypoxia.
