What is the potential effect of oxygen-deficient atmospheres at 12-14% by volume?

When considering oxygen-deficient atmospheres with concentrations ranging from 12 to 14% by volume, the primary potential effect is that they can impair coordination, perception, and judgment. This range of oxygen concentration is lower than the normal atmospheric level of about 21%, leading to hypoxia, which affects the brain's ability to function properly.

At this level, individuals may not receive enough oxygen to maintain cognitive functions and physical coordination effectively. Symptoms can include confusion and decreased mental capacity, which can adversely affect decision-making and physical coordination. While features such as extreme fatigue, confusion, headaches, and nausea may appear at lower oxygen concentrations, the specific range of 12-14% is most closely associated with the impairment of higher-level cognitive and motor functions.

In contexts where this concentration of oxygen is present, individuals might also be at risk of further complications if exposure continues, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and ensuring safe oxygen levels in various environments, particularly in industrial settings involving gases.