Actually, I'll call you on that. I think our collective addiction to air is HORRIBLE. Air oxidizes our tissues, causing aging, shortages prevent us from getting the most physical exertion, etc. If we didn't need air, we'd be much more capable. If someone could figure out a way to free us from this burden, we'd be better off running farther, staying young longer, and much much more.
The chemical reactions that drive your body are best compared to a very slow burn. Oxidisation (burning) needs oxygen, and oxygen needs to be somehow added to keep the 'fire' (your continued existence as an entity) going. Those that no longer consume oxygen (at least, those that are animals) are usually labelled as 'deceased'.
Aging and all the other things you list as a burden are definitely affected by our use of 'air', but without that air you wouldn't live long enough to experience these effects. The positives seem to clearly outweigh the negatives.
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