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Oxygen Toxicity: Those Greedy, Toxic Oxygen MoleculesOxygen Toxicity; Diving presents some unique dangers. In the underwater world even oxygen can become toxic. How does it happen?Oxygen loves electrons. It can’t get enough of those little orbs of energy that fly around the nucleus of atoms.That’s usually a good thing for you. When you breathe in oxygen, your blood takes it to your cells where it moves electrons through the electron transport chain to make energy for your cells to survive. So far everything is peachy keen. The problem arises when you have too much oxygen in your body. When there’s too much oxygen in your body, not all of the molecules can assist with the electron transport chain so the other oxygen molecules just grab electrons from wherever they can get them; even if it means ripping them away from other necessary areas in your body. That’s where the problems begin. What are the symtoms?Symptoms of oxygen toxicity can include dizziness, tunnel vision, nausea, convulsions, and unconsciousness. Doesn’t sound to flash, obviously the last two can be a big problem underwater.If you begin to convulse, there’s a good chance your regulator will fall out of your mouth and once you become unconscious you’ll begin to breathe water. Game Over. Fortunately most divers will never have to worry about oxygen toxicity. You have to dive to about 218 feet (66 meters) saltwater for the oxygen in everyday air to be toxic. Very few divers will ever go to that depth and even fewer will attempt to go that deep on air. The real risk of oxygen toxicity belongs to those who dive Nitrox. How is Nitrox a problem?Nitrox is enriched air oxygen that carries an oxygen content above 21%. The two most popular nitrox mixes are 32% and 36% oxygen.Nitrox does have many advantages over air. More oxygen means less nitrogen which means that you can either increase your bottom time or you dive Nitrox using tables meant for air and give yourself added protection against decompression sickness. But nothing in this life is free and with Nitrox, you pay for these benefits with an increased risk of oxygen toxicity. For example, the oxygen in a 32% Nitrox mix will become toxic at 132 feet (40 meters) saltwater and the oxygen in a 36% Nitrox mix will become toxic at around 114 feet (35 meters) salt water. These depths are within the reach of most advanced divers. Education is the key to preventing oxygen toxicity. Make sure you complete a good Nitrox Class before you attempt to dive with enriched air oxygen. A good class will teach you how determine the best mix for your planned dives as well as how to test your mix to make sure that the Nitrox technician at your dive shop didn’t mix your order up with someone else’s. Talk to your local dive shop if you’re interested in learning more about Nitrox and oxygen toxicity. They’ll help you determine if the class is right for you. Return to Underwater Diving Equipment Home Page.
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