Although oxygen is readily available in nature, making up 20-21% of the air we breathe, not everyone’s body receives enough oxygen. Because it is naturally present, the role of air and oxygen in life is often overlooked. Let’s explore the role of oxygen in life and its applications in daily life and industry in the article below.
Many families experience poisoning and oxygen deficiency, requiring emergency treatment, and sometimes resulting in death, due to closed doors. Similar situations occur in closed rooms with poor ventilation; long car trips with air conditioning, and in crowded gatherings, which can easily lead to fatigue partially caused by oxygen deficiency. High-intensity physical or mental work increases the brain’s oxygen demand, which can lead to oxygen deficiency if the supply is insufficient.
What is medical oxygen?
Oxygen for home use, or medical oxygen, is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless pure gas. Under normal conditions, it is the vital gas we breathe to sustain life.
The role of oxygen in life is extremely important. All living organisms require oxygen.
The oxygen we inhale passes through the lungs into the bloodstream, and from there, the heart pumps it to all cells throughout the body, nourishing them and supporting the stable functioning of all organs.
Applications of oxygen in daily life
- Oxygen is often called “life-giving gas,” one of the substances that sustains life. We all know that eating and drinking are very important for human health, but few realize the vital role of breathing. People can survive for many days without food or water, but they cannot survive without breathing for more than a few minutes.
- Applications of oxygen in various industries
- Applications of oxygen in the medical field.
Let’s explore the importance of respiration for living organisms and the roles of oxygen in medicine and industry below.
The importance of respiration for living organisms
Role of oxygen in respiration
If the brain is deprived of oxygen, damage begins after 4 to 5 minutes, and irreversible damage occurs after 9 to 10 minutes.
Oxygen is essential, but because it is readily available in nature, we often overlook its importance. If oxygen were a manufactured product, perhaps we wouldn’t take it for granted!
Although oxygen is abundant in nature, making up 20-21% of the air we breathe, not everyone’s body receives enough oxygen. The amount of oxygen our body receives depends on:
- Lung capacity.
- Blood oxygen transport.
- Blood vessel patency.
- Heart function.
- Acute and chronic lung diseases all affect the lungs’ ability to absorb oxygen.
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The oxygen-carrying capacity of blood under normal atmospheric pressure depends on the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Anemia reduces this oxygen transport capacity. Even with sufficient hemoglobin, its ability to transport oxygen can be impaired, as in cases of methemoglobinemia.
Thus, even in the same environment, some people’s bodies receive enough oxygen, while others experience oxygen deficiency. In reality, not only patients but also some individuals who are otherwise healthy may experience oxygen deficiency in their entire body or in specific organs or tissues.
Oxygen deficiency in the skin
Daily exposure to severely polluted air can make the skin sensitive and oxygen-deprived, leading to premature aging.
It slows down metabolism, causing skin to become dull, dry, inelastic, and prone to wrinkles. It can even disrupt sebum secretion, leading to gray skin and acne.
Oxygen deficiency in the brain

Prolonged oxygen deficiency in the brain can lead to:
- Memory impairment.
- Shoulder pain.
- Eye strain.
- Rhinitis, bronchitis.
- High blood pressure.
- Asthma.
- Cataracts.
- Cerebral congestion.
- Blood vessel blockage.
- Hemorrhoids, constipation.
- Arteriosclerosis, cold hands and feet, arthritis.
Role of oxygen in liver health
- Oxygen is involved in the liver’s energy production processes. However, the liver has very limited oxygen storage. When blood flow in the liver is disrupted, oxygen supply to liver cells is only sufficient for 30-60 seconds.
- Oxygen deficiency affects and increases glycolysis while reducing glycogen storage. It also leads to fatty liver disease, cell membrane breakdown, reduced protein synthesis, and impaired regeneration.
- Liver dystrophy can lead to liver cell necrosis; necrosis is more common in the central area of liver lobules because cells there receive less oxygen.
Oxygen deficiency in the heart
- A common cause of myocardial ischemia (reduced blood flow to the heart muscle) is atherosclerosis, which narrows the coronary arteries. The condition is easily triggered by exertion, stress, cold, or rapid heart rate.
- The direct cause of angina (chest pain) is oxygen deficiency in heart muscle cells; an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand during energy production for heart function.
- The tissues of living organisms require oxygen for normal function. Oxygen is essential for the entire body and especially the heart. Humans can survive for many days without food or water, but only a few minutes without breathing (oxygen supply).
Autism due to oxygen deficiency
- Autism, also known as “pervasive developmental disorder,” is a severe disorder that impairs function and significantly hinders life.
- These disorders appear early in childhood and affect many or all aspects of a child’s psychological development (social/personal relationships, language, cognition, emotions).
Role of oxygen and air
Oxygen and air are essential. Therefore, oxygen deficiency is the primary or secondary cause of many diseases.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning, heart failure, and asthma are examples of systemic oxygen deficiency.
- Many patients also experience localized oxygen deficiency, such as in myocardial ischemia and cerebral insufficiency.
- Long-term diabetes often causes vascular inflammation, especially in the blood vessels of the feet. This can lead to tissue necrosis due to severe oxygen deprivation.
To maintain good health and work efficiently, it is crucial to ensure an adequate oxygen supply to the body. Living, working, and resting in well-ventilated, green environments is essential.
Supplement your oxygen intake while you are still alive to have a better and healthier life.
Applications of oxygen in medicine

- Oxygen is widely used in medicine to supplement oxygen for patients.
- Airline passengers in flight and mountaineers need oxygen supplementation due to reduced oxygen levels.
- Oxygen is also used as an analgesic when mixed with nitrous oxide.
Applications of oxygen in industry
Below are some applications of oxygen in industry:
- Scientists use the isotopes oxygen-18 and oxygen-16 in fossils to determine Earth’s climate.
- Oxygen is used in polymers to create highly durable plastics and fabrics.
- Polyester polymers used to produce antifreeze are also derived from oxygen applications.
- As an oxidizing agent.
- Used in many industrial processes such as welding, methanol production, and especially steelmaking.
Role of oxygen in life and combustion
What are the applications of oxygen in daily life?
- Oxygen supports combustion, helping burning processes to occur.
- It also provides oxygen for divers and mountaineers in oxygen-deficient environments.
Role of oxygen for home use
The important role of oxygen for home use is indispensable in sustaining the lives of patients with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. This role is particularly evident in emergency situations and for patients with respiratory and cardiovascular problems such as asphyxia, shortness of breath, or arrhythmia.

Although oxygen is readily available in nature, the air does not always provide enough oxygen for everyone. Oxygen intake varies depending on the individual, environment, and physical condition. That’s why oxygen for home use is crucial to sustain life in critical situations.
> See more: How much do mini portable oxygen cylinders cost and where to buy them?
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