o Air is most important for life
as such. The human species, just
like closely related mammals, can only survive a few minutes without
oxygen which makes up about 21 % of the air that surrounds us.
o Oxygen facilitates the generation of energy through oxygen-based
exchange processes in the bodies of humans and animals.
o No combustion process would function without oxygen. Thanks to the
earth's plants the oxygen content of the air remains constant. Plants
transform carbon dioxide into oxygen by utilizing the chlorophyll of
their leaves and the energy of the sun.
Facts
o Human beings breathe in 20 m³ of air per day and thus consume
5 m³ of oxygen
o In the summer, in one day one oak tree produces enough oxygen
for 10 people
o However: At a speed of 100 km/h an average-sized car consumes
approximately 400 m³ of oxygen in one hour, equivalent to the
amount of oxygen which 80 people need per day
o The past years have seen an increase of air pollution in big cities.
o "Smoke" or "fog" attacks our breathing and circulatory systems.
o Air pollution endangers the earth's natural balance
o Animals and plants suffer from growth disorders.
Entire species have vanished.
How could this happen?
For further information see "The bitter pill made of clouds, rain and
ozone"
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