Would inhaling pure oxygen from a canister help me study for exams

asks Adryley:
A. In the heavy pollution of Los Angeles and cities of the Far East, oxygen bars are popular. They're harder to find in the UK, but you can buy pure oxygen in canisters - you get about seven minutes' inhalation time for 8.95.

That's an expensive breath of fresh air...
Yes, but just think what you're getting for your money - the manufacturers claim that inhaling short bursts of pure oxygen will awaken your senses, detoxify your body and - important for studying for exams - stimulate your mind.

Q. Does it work or is it just a gimmick
A. Expert opinions differ.

• Most claim that it's just a gimmick, that it's the body's ability to get oxygen to the muscles efficiently and not that amount of oxygen you inhale that makes the difference. Some point out that large doses of pure oxygen is, in fact, dangerous. The air your breathe is only 21% oxygen (the rest is mostly nitrogen)and inhaling pure oxygen if you suffer from chronic breathing difficulties could be harmful because your lungs are already compensating for poor oxygen levels and couldn't cope with an overload.
• However, there's evidence that it may do your brain some good. A study by the Human Cognitive Neuroscience Unit of Northumbria University showed that inhaling oxygen before a mental task improves concentration and alertness. The study used players of the computer game Tetris and gave them either pure oxygen or plain air before they played, and there was an improvement in the performance at the highest levels of the game.

Q. How do you take the oxygen
A. Experts stress that any beneficial effect of oxygen requires inhalation for 30 to 60 seconds. Less than this doesn't have any effect, and doing it for longer has health risks.

Q. Isn't there some kind of oxygen therapy
A. Yes, it's called hyperbaric oxygen therapy. It's when pure oxygen is administered in a closed chamber at an increased air pressure. It is used for carbon monoxide poisoning, decompression sickness, smoke inhalation and some for skin problems, such as bad burns and infections, or skin grafts which are failing. Again, the oxygen is used in short bursts.

Q. Where can I find out more
A. Click here for a website which sells pure oxygen products, but also has some research and press comments for you to read.

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By Sheena Miller