Why is it important to avoid breathing pure oxygen at depths greater than 10 meters?

Breathing pure oxygen at depths greater than 10 meters is associated with the risk of oxygen toxicity, which is a significant concern for divers. At increased pressures found at greater depths, the partial pressure of oxygen in a diver's lungs rises, leading to a greater concentration of oxygen delivered to the body's tissues. This heightened exposure can result in oxygen toxicity, manifesting as symptoms that might include visual disturbances, seizures, and other neurological effects.

Oxygen toxicity occurs when the toxic effects of oxygen overwhelm the body's ability to manage it safely, especially in the central nervous system and lungs. This risk escalates significantly below 10 meters, making the practice of breathing pure oxygen at such depths highly dangerous and generally inadvisable in recreational diving.

Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for divers, as they must manage their gas mixtures appropriately to ensure safety during their dives. Using Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) effectively reduces the partial pressure of oxygen, allowing divers to extend their bottom time safely without encountering the severe risks associated with pure oxygen.