The Effect on Respiratory Dead Space Prolonged Exposure to a Submarine Environment

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The Effect on Respiratory Dead Space Prolonged Exposure to a Submarine Environment

J. K. Gude / K. E. Schaefer

Measurements were made of arterialized capillary carbon dioxide tension and mixed expired carbon dioxide as well as respiratory minute volume, tidal volume and respiratory frequency on 10 subjects during control periods and following 20 days of exposure to submarine atmospheres on two patrols. The physiological dead space was found increased 60 and 61% during the first and second patrols, respectively, in which the average CO2 concentrations were 0.8 and 0.9% CO2. The findings correspond with previous observations obtained under laboratory conditions showing a 62% increase in physiological dead space following 40 days of exposure to 1.5% CO2. Six of the same 10 subjects on the second patrol had also served on the first patrol. Their physiological dead space returned to control values after the patrol showing that the effect is reversible. Smoking habits and length of service on submarines did not change either control values of physiological dead space or the values obtained during the patrols. The significance of these findings for the evaluation of the health hazards of prolonged exposure to the submarine atmosphere is discussed. (Author)