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Divers' Secret Danger: What Exactly Is Oxygen Toxicity?
When divers are underwater, the most important thing is to make sure they get enough oxygen, but they may face a little-known crisis: oxygen toxicity. Oxygen toxicity refers to the damage to the body caused by breathing molecular oxygen (O2) under increased partial pressure, which may lead to cell damage or even death, especially affecting the central nervous system, lungs and eyes. The condition was first described by researchers in the 19th century, and today divers and patients receiving high-concentration oxygen therapy need to be alert to it.
Oxygen toxicity is one of the most common diving risks, especially when diving for long periods of time or when using oxygen-enriched gas mixtures.
Basic concepts of oxygen toxicity
Hyperoxia, a condition of excess oxygen within body tissues, occurs when humans breathe increased partial pressure of oxygen underwater. The increase in oxygen in salt water affects different parts of the body depending on the length of exposure and the partial pressure of oxygen.
Mainly affects organs
Oxygen toxicity can be classified according to the organ affected, with three main types: central nervous system toxicity, pulmonary toxicity, and ocular toxicity. Central nervous system toxicity usually occurs at higher than normal atmospheric pressure and may result in seizures and loss of consciousness; pulmonary toxicity is caused by increased oxygen pressure during prolonged inhalation, resulting in dyspnea and chest pain; ocular toxicity is most common in premature infants , may lead to retinopathy and vision loss.
Divers face the risk of oxygen toxicity when breathing air in water deeper than 60 meters, especially when oxygen-rich gas mixtures are used.
Symptoms of oxygen toxicity
Oxygen toxicity in the central nervous system can present with symptoms such as visual changes, tinnitus, nausea, facial twitching, behavioral changes, and dizziness, with seizures ensues. Many external factors, such as diving conditions, cold, and exercise, can accelerate the onset of symptoms. Signs of pulmonary toxicity include difficulty breathing, chest pain, and frequent coughing. Continuous hyperbaric oxygen inhalation can cause edema and other lesions in the lungs.
Causes of oxygen toxicity
Oxygen toxicity is primarily caused by hyperoxia, which means the partial pressure of oxygen exceeds the normal tolerance range of the body. It usually occurs during diving, high-power oxygen therapy, or high-concentration oxygen therapy for premature babies. In these cases, the risk factors vary.
Precautionary measures
Divers need to take appropriate measures to avoid the effects of oxygen toxicity, especially when diving for long periods of time or using oxygen-enriched gas, and carefully calculate the optimal diving depth. Additionally, sudden changes in water depth should be avoided while diving to reduce the risk of oxygen toxicity attacks.
Understanding the partial pressure limits of oxygen before diving and clearly marking the depth at which helium-oxygen mixtures are used are preparations that divers must make.
Conclusion
To this day, oxygen toxicity remains a hidden crisis in the diving community, and awareness of its dangers and scientific management measures can greatly reduce its risks. Professional diving training and an understanding of oxygen toxicity will help divers explore safely underwater. Are you ready to explore the mysteries of the deep in a safer way?
