What percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere indicates potential impaired muscle coordination?

The percentage of oxygen in the atmosphere that indicates potential impaired muscle coordination is 17%. At this level, oxygen concentration is significantly lower than the normal atmospheric level of 21%, which is crucial for optimal physiological function.

When the oxygen level drops to 17%, individuals may start to experience symptoms such as decreased cognitive function, poor decision-making, and impaired coordination. These effects occur because the body is not receiving sufficient oxygen to maintain normal muscle and brain function, which can lead to hypoxia—a condition where the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply.

Levels below 17% can further exacerbate these symptoms, with more pronounced effects occurring as oxygen levels decrease. For example, at 12% oxygen, more severe impairments can manifest, and at 10% oxygen, life-threatening conditions can develop rapidly. Therefore, understanding the implications of varying oxygen levels is critical in environments where oxygen concentration may be compromised, especially in emergency situations, such as firefighting, where rapid response is crucial.