Scuba Diving - Health Risks to Breathing Gases Underwater

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One of the main culprits of scuba diving tragedies involves the latent toxicity of breathing gases that would take its toll on the scuba diver’s body upon reaching dangerous levels. The following are just a few of the common health risks that may arise in the uptake of compressed air from an open circuit scuba set and corresponding preventive measures that should be implemented to guarantee a safe dive.

Oxygen Toxicity Syndrome. The condition transpires when there is an excess concentration of oxygen in bodily tissues to therefore cause significant cell damage. This typically manifests at a certain depth where the partial pressure of oxygen in the body escalates to abnormal levels. Symptoms that come about with the syndrome include unconsciousness and convulsions. To avoid its occurrence, scuba divers should submit to Nitrox training to become technically adept with the application of breathing gas mixtures, get certified for the skill and master the use of related equipment as well, particularly the functionality of a rebreather.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. Carbon monoxide is one of the most dangerous types of toxins that could gradually impair the functions of the nervous system. The toxic gas arises in the form of combustion exhausts that may have been integrated with breathing gases in the air tank. Following standard safety procedures in the servicing of compressors and refilling of air cylinders is a must to avoid any instance of fatal poisoning from the gas.

Nitrogen Narcosis. The condition arises from the heightened uptake of nitrogen in the blood and bodily tissues, at the rate of abnormal partial pressures. At a certain depth, a scuba diver may fleetingly encounter a certain kind of high (more like tipsy when drunk) which could progress into serious lung complications. To prevent nitrogen narcosis, the diver needs to be learned on the application of breathing gases and to which diving profile these are fit for use. Trimix gases are applicable for use when cruising technical diving depths.

Gas embolism. The medical conditionis an offshoot of the presence of gas bubbles in the bloodstream, particularly when toxic levels are reached. This can put forth severe damage to the blood vessels and eventually trigger complications while the diver is submerged underwater. The uptake of proper breathing techniques in the use of scuba equipment will promote a balanced flow of gases in and out of the body.

Proper training in the use of scuba equipment is necessary to avoid the development of medical conditions in the midst of a scuba diving excursion. Knowing your depth and decompression limits while adhering to safety guidelines will also help the scuba diver stay out of trouble. Meanwhile, investing on good quality equipment such as the Aeris A1 Octopus Regulator assures safety and convenience in the inhalation of breathing gases from the cylinder tank. Such equipment has been optimally designed to allow easy inhalation of Nitrox gas mixtures containing up to 40% oxygen. Generally lightweight and featured with an orthodontic mouthpiece for its second stage, this is one comfortable scuba gear you can’t dive without in your next scuba diving vacation.

Felix Tero produces web content for Scuba Suppliers, Inc. Get the scuba equipment that’s right for you at scubasuppliers.com.