What are the main risks associated with using Nitrox?

The main risks associated with using Nitrox primarily revolve around oxygen toxicity and the increased partial pressure of oxygen. When divers use Nitrox, which generally has a higher percentage of oxygen than air, they also increase the partial pressure of oxygen during dives. This can lead to oxygen toxicity, which affects the central nervous system and can result in symptoms like visual disturbances, seizures, and even unconsciousness if the partial pressure exceeds safe limits.

Understanding oxygen toxicity is crucial for divers using Nitrox because it requires careful management of depth and the oxygen concentration in the gas mixture. The risk increases with depth because, as a diver descends, the partial pressure of the gas increases. Therefore, divers must be trained to monitor their exposure limits based on their specific Nitrox mix and dive profile. This focus on managing oxygen levels distinguishes Nitrox diving from standard air diving, as it emphasizes the necessity for divers to understand and mitigate the risks associated with elevated oxygen levels.