As a respiratory physiologist, I specialize in the study of the respiratory system and its functions. It's a fascinating field that delves into how our bodies utilize the air we breathe to sustain life. One of the most critical components of the air we inhale is oxygen, which is essential for cellular respiration. Cellular respiration is the process by which cells produce energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through the metabolism of nutrients.

Now, let's address the question at hand: Do we need to breathe hydrogen? The answer is a resounding no.
Hydrogen, in its pure form, is not a viable alternative to oxygen for respiration. The primary reason we breathe is to oxygenate our blood and tissues and eliminate carbon dioxide, a byproduct of cellular respiration. Hydrogen lacks the necessary chemical properties to support these critical life-sustaining processes.

Oxygen is a highly reactive molecule that binds with hemoglobin in our red blood cells, allowing it to be transported to cells throughout the body. Once there, it participates in the production of ATP, the energy currency of the cell. Without oxygen, this process cannot occur, and cells would quickly begin to die due to lack of energy.

In contrast, hydrogen is a very light, colorless, and odorless gas that does not readily react with biological molecules. It is not a substrate for cellular respiration and does not bind to hemoglobin or facilitate the production of ATP. Therefore, breathing hydrogen would not provide the necessary chemical reactions needed to sustain life.

Moreover, there are significant safety concerns associated with breathing a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. Such a mixture can be highly explosive, as hydrogen is a flammable gas that can ignite when mixed with oxygen and exposed to a spark or flame. This makes it extremely dangerous to consider as a breathable gas, as it poses a significant risk of causing fires and explosions.

In the context of medical and scientific research, hydrogen has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects, particularly in the form of hydrogen gas or hydrogen-rich water. Some studies suggest that hydrogen may have antioxidant properties and could be beneficial in treating certain conditions. However, these applications are vastly different from using hydrogen as a breathable gas to replace oxygen.

It's also worth noting that the human respiratory system is finely tuned to handle the specific gases found in our atmosphere. The lungs, airways, and respiratory muscles are all adapted to the process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. Introducing a gas like hydrogen into this system could disrupt its delicate balance and lead to unforeseen health issues.

In conclusion, while hydrogen has potential uses in certain medical and scientific applications, it is not a substitute for oxygen when it comes to respiration. The human body requires oxygen to function properly, and any attempt to replace it with hydrogen would be ineffective and potentially hazardous. The respiratory system is a complex and vital part of our anatomy, and it relies on the specific properties of oxygen to sustain life.

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The whole point of breathing is to get oxygen (and get rid of carbon dioxide), so trying to breathe pure hydrogen is as good as not breathing at all. And while you could probably breathe a mixture of hydrogen and oxygen, such a mixture is explosive, so it's an accident waiting to happen.read more >>