The Breathing Limits of Skyscrapers: Can People Breathe at the Top?

Some of the world's tallest skyscrapers stand at heights that defy common sense in terms of human physiology. But at what point does the air become so thin that it becomes impossible for people to breathe comfortably? In this article, we will explore the breathing limits of skyscrapers and the factors that determine how high a building can be before its occupants face difficulties.

Understanding Atmospheric Pressure and Oxygen Levels

Atmospheric pressure and oxygen levels decrease with altitude, which is why climbers need supplemental oxygen above certain heights. Generally, humans can breathe comfortably without supplemental oxygen up to an altitude of approximately 8000 feet or 2400 meters above sea level.

Let's consider a real-world example. The tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, stands at 2717 feet (828 meters), well within this breathable range. However, at higher altitudes, particularly above 10000 feet (3050 meters), some individuals may start to experience altitude sickness, characterized by symptoms like headaches, nausea, and dizziness due to lower oxygen levels.

How High Can Skyscrapers Reach Before Issues Arise?

While some argue that there’s no inherent limit to the height of a tower, the atmosphere and human physiology do impose certain constraints. For instance, the air pressure and oxygen levels at a height of 4000 meters (about 13,123 feet) can become uncomfortable for most people without supplemental oxygen. However, modern skyscrapers are equipped with advanced air conditioning and ventilation systems to maintain safe oxygen levels.

Just as commercial airplanes can fly at altitudes well above 4000 meters, skyscrapers can also maintain livable conditions through artificial means. Modern air quality systems in high-rise buildings can ensure that the air remains breathable for occupants even at considerable heights.

The Limitations Beyond Oxygen

Roger Coo explains that beyond oxygen levels, other factors such as materials and physics play significant roles in determining the practical limits of skyscrapers. For example, climbers have successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest at 29000 feet (8848 meters) and even some individuals have climbed to 14000 feet without SCBA gear, proving that the air is still there but increasingly thin.

While the air may support breathing up to 29000 feet, the structural and material limitations of buildings make it highly improbable for a skyscraper to reach such heights. Factors such as wind load, structural integrity, and the practical difficulty of sustaining human life over extended periods at extreme heights are all significant limiting factors.

Conclusion

Skyscrapers can safely reach heights of several thousand feet while still allowing people to breathe comfortably, as long as they remain below approximately 8000 feet. The key to maintaining livable conditions in high-rise buildings lies in the advanced engineering and air quality systems designed to ensure that oxygen levels remain within a safe range.

While the atmosphere imposes certain limits, modern technologies and engineering designs allow us to push the boundaries of what is feasible in terms of building height and human habitability.