What is a symptom of oxygen toxicity?

Oxygen toxicity occurs when a diver breathes oxygen at elevated partial pressures, which can happen during dives with nitrox mixtures that have a high oxygen content. One of the severe symptoms of oxygen toxicity is the occurrence of seizures. This is particularly critical at depths where the partial pressure of oxygen exceeds safe limits, usually around 1.4 ATA or higher. Seizures can be dangerous as they can lead to loss of consciousness in the water, increasing the risk of drowning.

Recognizing seizures as a symptom emphasizes the importance of monitoring the partial pressure of oxygen in your breathing gas and understanding the risks associated with breathing higher concentrations of oxygen during dives. This knowledge helps divers make informed decisions about dive planning and gas selection, contributing to safety in recreational diving.