At what percent of oxygen concentration can death occur within minutes due to respiratory failure?

A concentration of 6% oxygen in the air is critically low and can result in death within minutes due to respiratory failure. The normal concentration of oxygen in Earth's atmosphere is approximately 21%. When the oxygen level drops to around 6%, the body is unable to receive enough oxygen to sustain normal physiological functions, leading to hypoxia and the potential for rapid deterioration of bodily functions, including the failure of vital organs.

Understanding oxygen levels is crucial, especially in emergency response situations, as it highlights the importance of maintaining adequate oxygen concentrations in environments where individuals may be exposed to hazardous conditions. This knowledge is also relevant in contexts such as confined space entry or areas where smoke or toxic gases may displace breathable air.