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Metabolism and Oxygen Therapy
All humans and animals breathe oxygen through the process of respiration. This oxygen gets diffused into the blood, which takes the oxygen to different body parts. The oxygen then burns food and produces energy. If we could not breathe oxygen, the body's organs and muscles would quickly run out of energy needed to function properly. People with respiratory diseases sometimes require additional oxygen to survive and are given oxygen therapy, where oxygen is forced into the lungs through a mask over the nose and mouth, or through a tube inserted through the nose.
Emergency Survival Oxygen Tanks
In many places where there is a danger of oxygen deficiency in the air, emergency oxygen supplies are provided in the form of oxygen tanks. For example, in airplanes, emergency oxygen is always available, because at higher altitudes, the oxygen level falls to very low values. Similarly, in submarines, the availability of emergency oxygen kits is a must.
Carbon Monoxide/Dioxide Poisoning Treatment
Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are hazardous gases, and their elevated levels in the body can cause damage. High levels of these gases in the body can cause fatal poisoning. Pure oxygen is used for treatment if poisoning is suspected.
Rocket Fuel
Since oxygen helps in burning, commonly used fuels for rockets are mixed with an oxidizer. An oxidizer is not a fuel itself, but rather helps the actual fuel, such as petroleum, to burn more rapidly.
Oxygen Furnace
Oxygen is used to convert iron into steel in an oxygen furnace. Oxygen gas is forced into a high-temperature furnace through a nozzle. The gas interacts with the molten iron in the furnace and oxidizes its different constituents, converting it into steel.
Welding
Since oxygen helps in the burning process, it is commonly used in welding metals where a high-temperature arc is required. Generally, oxygen is used in the form of a compound, such as oxygen acetylene.
Wastewater Treatment
One of the problems with wastewater is its deficiency in oxygen. Dissolved oxygen is very important in water, especially for aquatic organisms. Therefore, as part of the wastewater treatment, oxygen is added to the water.
Killing Bacteria
Oxygen is efficient at killing bacteria and is, therefore, commonly used for cleansing the body from harmful bacteria. In general, deep breathing increases the amount of oxygen in the body. In certain situations, one can use liquid oxygen as well for therapeutic purposes.
Metal Cutting
Oxygen is used to cut metals. Oxygen not only helps in burning but is a very reactive gas. These two properties make it an effective tool for cutting metals at high temperatures through the process of oxidation.
Cancer Treatment
It is known that oxygen in a special form, called ozone, can kill cancer cells. Ozone has three oxygen atoms, instead of the two found in oxygen present in the air.