Final answer:
Oxygen deprivation, or hypoxia, results from a decrease in the oxygen concentration in the air. It affects the body's production of ATP, leading to impairment of brain functions and, eventually, death. Safety measures are critical in environments with a potential for low oxygen levels to prevent fatal outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Decreasing the percentage of oxygen in the air can severely affect the movement of oxygen in the body. Atmospheric air contains about 20% oxygen, which is vital for producing ATP through cellular respiration. A decline in oxygen levels can lead to hypoxia, causing symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and confusion.
When oxygen levels fall below the normal partial pressure (about 0.21 atm), our coordination and judgment are impaired. Extreme cases, where the partial pressure of oxygen drops below 0.06 atm, can be quickly fatal. This is because our brain cells, which are highly sensitive to oxygen levels, require a continuous supply of ATP. Prolonged oxygen deprivation leads to brain damage and eventually death.
Safety engineers are particularly concerned with environments that have low oxygen concentration. Unconsciousness and death can occur without any sensation of choking, as the urge to breathe is more related to carbon dioxide levels than oxygen levels.