Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Videos

CO2 and O2 concentrations in integral motorcycle helmets.

P A Brühwiler1, R Stämpfli, R Huber

  • 1Empa, Materials Science and Technology, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland. paul.bruehwiler@empa.ch

Applied Ergonomics
|May 17, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Motorcyclists wearing integral helmets may inhale high carbon dioxide (CO2) levels, especially at low speeds. These elevated CO2 concentrations, and associated oxygen deficiency, can negatively impact cognitive function.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Image type reveals evolutionarily shaped perceptual and conceptual mechanisms of pareidolia.

Scientific reports·2026
Same author

Linking root length and surface area to yield: variety-specific root plasticity in winter wheat across contrasting European environments.

Annals of botany·2025
Same author

The phenomenology of pareidolia in healthy subjects and patients with left- or right-hemispheric stroke.

Heliyon·2024
Same author

Feasibility to Measure Tissue Oxygen Saturation Using Textile-Integrated Polymer Optical Fibers.

Advances in experimental medicine and biology·2022
Same author

Numerical Optimisation of a NIRS Device for Monitoring Tissue Oxygen Saturation.

Advances in experimental medicine and biology·2022
Same author

Materials used to simulate physical properties of human skin.

Skin research and technology : official journal of International Society for Bioengineering and the Skin (ISBS) [and] International Society for Digital Imaging of Skin (ISDIS) [and] International Society for Skin Imaging (ISSI)·2015

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Occupational Safety
  • Human Physiology

Background:

  • Inhaling excess carbon dioxide (CO2) or oxygen-deficient air poses health risks and impairs cognitive function.
  • Previous studies from 20 years ago indicated alarmingly high CO2 concentrations for motorcyclists using integral helmets.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To re-evaluate current gas concentrations, specifically CO2, inhaled by motorcyclists wearing integral helmets.
  • To compare new measurements with historical data and assess potential cognitive impacts.

Main Methods:

  • Measurements of average CO2 concentrations near the upper lip were conducted in laboratory and field settings for four participants wearing integral helmets.
  • Time-dependent CO2 concentrations were measured via a mouthpiece during mouth-breathing.

Related Experiment Videos

  • The effect of opening the visor at standstill was also assessed.

    • Main Results:

    • High average CO2 concentrations were confirmed, exceeding 2% when stationary and falling below 1% at speeds of 50 km/h or more.
    • Inhaled CO2 levels during mouth-breathing were approximately half the average concentrations, with brief peaks over 4% at breath initiation.
    • At 50 km/h, inhaled CO2 levels dropped to approximately 0.2%, similar to non-helmeted individuals in still air. Opening the visor had no significant effect at standstill.

    Conclusions:

    • Integral helmets can lead to significant CO2 inhalation, particularly at low speeds or standstill.
    • The associated oxygen deficiency mirrors CO2 levels, potentially impairing motorcyclist cognitive abilities.
    • Findings highlight the need for improved helmet ventilation or rider awareness regarding CO2 exposure risks.