What is a significant risk associated with high oxygen levels during diving?

High oxygen levels during diving pose a significant risk of oxygen toxicity, which can occur when a diver breathes oxygen at elevated partial pressures. This condition can affect both the central nervous system and the pulmonary system. Symptoms of central nervous system oxygen toxicity include visual changes, nausea, twitching, and convulsions, which can be serious and potentially life-threatening if they occur while diving.

Oxygen toxicity results from excessive reactive oxygen species generated at high pressures, leading to oxidative stress within the body. Each dive has specific limits for oxygen levels that divers must adhere to in order to minimize this risk. Maintaining awareness of these limits and understanding the implications of high oxygen concentrations is critical for safe diving practices. Proper training and adherence to guidelines can help mitigate this risk and ensure the safety of divers.