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<blockquote data-quote="LightPhoenix" data-source="post: 2949957" data-attributes="member: 115"><p>The problem with that is basically that humans evolved on Earth, which is the NO atmosphere we know and love. Consequently, it's the atmosphere we're adapted to. </p><p></p><p>Oxygen in the air tends to be a somewhat tricky thing. On the simple side, oxygen won't generally be elevated in a successful atmosphere, because it is highly flammable. Also, at elevated partial pressures, oxygen can be toxic above 21%, but that's not really relevant to this discussion. Low concetrations of oxygen rapidly produce hypoxia. After a little research, 17% seemed to be considered the safe lower boundary. 12% would require oxygen tanks, I would think.</p><p></p><p>Also, in regards to inert gases, atmospheric nitrogen, as N2, is in fact inert. That is why we can't blow up our atmosphere. Not only is nitrogen inert, but it acts as a buffer, lowering oxygen concentration.</p><p></p><p>Finally, realistically, Helium in such great quantities isn't going to just be around, or stick around. As mentioned, it's a very light gas, and gravity likely wouldn't keep it down. Secondly, the primary form of helium production in the universe is through stellar fusion. Generally, helium on planets comes as a result of radioactive decay - pretty much the entire planet would have to be radioactive, pretty much nixing a breathable atmo.</p><p></p><p>Now, all that said:</p><p></p><p>Argon. The most abundant noble gas in Earth's atmosphere. Also found in quantity in Mars' atmo as well. It's heavier and will stick around in an atmosphere. It's also more likely to be around, as a radioactive byproduct of the breakdown of potassium isotopes in rocks (according to Wikipedia). High concentrations will still make an atmosphere unbreathable, but you could probably bump this up to maybe 10%, at the cost of some nitrogen.</p><p></p><p>Carbon Dioxide. You could bump this up, but it is very much not inert. Atmospheric CO2 will generally react to form acids, specifically IIRC carbonic acid when inhaled at high concentration. I couldn't find a number for a safe level though.</p><p></p><p>You might think sulfur (S) and phosphorous (P), beneath oxygen and nitrogen in the periodic table, would be decent substitutes. This is not so. Both are solids in pure form at room temperature. Further more, they are vastly more reactive.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="LightPhoenix, post: 2949957, member: 115"] The problem with that is basically that humans evolved on Earth, which is the NO atmosphere we know and love. Consequently, it's the atmosphere we're adapted to. Oxygen in the air tends to be a somewhat tricky thing. On the simple side, oxygen won't generally be elevated in a successful atmosphere, because it is highly flammable. Also, at elevated partial pressures, oxygen can be toxic above 21%, but that's not really relevant to this discussion. Low concetrations of oxygen rapidly produce hypoxia. After a little research, 17% seemed to be considered the safe lower boundary. 12% would require oxygen tanks, I would think. Also, in regards to inert gases, atmospheric nitrogen, as N2, is in fact inert. That is why we can't blow up our atmosphere. Not only is nitrogen inert, but it acts as a buffer, lowering oxygen concentration. Finally, realistically, Helium in such great quantities isn't going to just be around, or stick around. As mentioned, it's a very light gas, and gravity likely wouldn't keep it down. Secondly, the primary form of helium production in the universe is through stellar fusion. Generally, helium on planets comes as a result of radioactive decay - pretty much the entire planet would have to be radioactive, pretty much nixing a breathable atmo. Now, all that said: Argon. The most abundant noble gas in Earth's atmosphere. Also found in quantity in Mars' atmo as well. It's heavier and will stick around in an atmosphere. It's also more likely to be around, as a radioactive byproduct of the breakdown of potassium isotopes in rocks (according to Wikipedia). High concentrations will still make an atmosphere unbreathable, but you could probably bump this up to maybe 10%, at the cost of some nitrogen. Carbon Dioxide. You could bump this up, but it is very much not inert. Atmospheric CO2 will generally react to form acids, specifically IIRC carbonic acid when inhaled at high concentration. I couldn't find a number for a safe level though. You might think sulfur (S) and phosphorous (P), beneath oxygen and nitrogen in the periodic table, would be decent substitutes. This is not so. Both are solids in pure form at room temperature. Further more, they are vastly more reactive. [/QUOTE]
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