How does alcohol and smoking contribute to hypoxia, for pilots flying aircraft?
Smoking produces carbon monoxide, which sticks to hemoglobin much easier than oxygen. This reduces the hemoglobin available for transporting oxygen to the brain causing Hypemic Hypoxia – which is the inability of blood to carry oxygen. Alcohol inhibits cells from having the ability to effectively use oxygen. This is called Cytotoxic Hypoxia. One ounce of alcohol = 2,000 feet of additional altitude on the body. FYI – There are two other types of hypoxia: 1. Hypoxia – which is an inadequate supply of oxygen (altitude sickness) 2. Stagnant – Inadequate circulation of the blood. This is usually due to heart problems. Hope this answers your question.
