Breathing gas
Breathing gas
Breathing gas is a mixture of gaseous chemical elements and compounds used for respiration. Pronounced as /ˈbriː.ðɪŋ ɡæs/, the term is derived from the English words "breathe" meaning to inhale and exhale and "gas" referring to a substance that expands freely to fill any space available.
Composition
Breathing gas is primarily composed of oxygen and nitrogen. The oxygen is necessary for cellular respiration, while nitrogen is a largely inert gas that makes up the bulk of the Earth's atmosphere. Other gases, such as carbon dioxide, argon, and helium, may also be present in smaller amounts.
Uses
Breathing gas is used in a variety of applications, including scuba diving, space travel, medical procedures, and firefighting. In each of these applications, the composition of the breathing gas may be adjusted to meet specific needs.
Scuba Diving
In scuba diving, breathing gas is stored in a diving cylinder and delivered to the diver through a regulator. The gas typically contains a higher concentration of oxygen than atmospheric air to allow for longer dives and reduce the risk of decompression sickness.
Space Travel
In space travel, astronauts breathe a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen similar to Earth's atmosphere. However, the concentration of oxygen is often increased to compensate for the lower atmospheric pressure in space.
Medical Procedures
In medical procedures, a patient may be given a mixture of oxygen and other gases to breathe. This can help to ensure that the patient's tissues receive enough oxygen, particularly during surgery or other procedures where normal breathing may be impaired.
Firefighting
Firefighters often use breathing gas in situations where smoke or other harmful gases may be present. This can help to protect the firefighter's lungs and ensure that they can continue to function effectively.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Breathing gas
- Wikipedia's article - Breathing gas
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