Interesting article in the FEJ on hypoxic air venting (HAV) systems. Had to double check it was not the April 1 edition. These automatic air conditioning systems reduce the oxygen content within the building to 16% and thus inhibit potential fire ignition and growth whilst the occupants in general suffer no harmful effects. OK so far - its only like oxyreduct or even inergen and similar installations but more uniformly and consistently applied without sudden variations or inert gas discharges.
But the article goes on to quote a research report "most people become healthier from lowered oxygen levels, indeed many world class athletes train in HAV environments to improve performance"
To me as a layman that is surely taking it too far- a claim more associated with tabloid journalism and out of character for the dear old FEJ.
Of course athletes train in these conditions- but only so their lung function is forced to improve to cope with the lower oxygen level so they have greater capacity and performance in the normal environment, or more time to acclimatise to high altitude conditions.
