Peter Duniho wrote:
"Bucky" wrote in message
oups.com...

I don't get it. Can't a person stay conscious for longer than 30
seconds without breathing? Most people can hold their breath for over
a minute.


When they do that, they are using up a small reserve of oxygen-filled air
contained in their lungs. Exhale as much air from your lungs as you can,
and THEN see how long you can hold your breath.

At high altitude you breath out the oxygen bound to the hemoglobin in
your blood. Your blood gives up its O2 to the air. Hold your breath or
just stop breathing and you may last longer (never done the experiment
though ;-) ).

Shawn