Each moment of our lives we take air into our lungs.  This is an involuntary, unconscious action which is critical to remaining alive.  If you stop breathing you will die.

The basic function of breathing is to take oxygen to our cells so that they can use oxygen to make cellular energy.  This is done through the production of Addison Tri-Phosphate (ATP).

The chemical reaction resulting in ATP starts with sugar and oxygen.  Carbon dioxide is created as a by-product which is then exhaled to complete the breathing cycle.

Just Oxygen?

Unfortunately, although oxygen is the primary element in air humans seek to live, it is not the only thing that is in the air.  Airborne bacteria or viruses can enter our bodies through the air.

Worse than disease are those small particles from industrial waste or forest fires (smog).  They can really mess up the smooth operation of your internal biological processes.

Sadly, some things that pollute the air, like a massive forest fire, can be out of our control.  Even wearing a mask will not filter some of the tiny particles created by fire.

Fresh Air

Of course, if you really need a shot of fresh air a gas mask, diving tanks or a space suit can help for a bit.   The reality is though, ultimately we end up taking in the air around us.

We cannot stop breathing without very negative impacts, yet, breathing smog-laden air can have as deleterious effects, it just takes longer.

We are between a rock and a hard place.  Avoiding bad air is not always something we can do.