What can trigger an oxygen toxicity condition during diving?

Breathing high concentrations of oxygen at increased pressures is recognized as a primary factor that can trigger an oxygen toxicity condition during diving. This condition arises because elevated levels of oxygen can lead to an excessive amount of reactive oxygen species in the body, which can damage cells and tissues. As pressure increases, the partial pressure of oxygen in the breathing gas also rises. When divers breathe oxygen-enriched gases or pure oxygen at greater depths, they may exceed safe levels, leading to symptoms ranging from visual disturbances to seizures.

Diving in shallow water generally does not pose a significant risk of oxygen toxicity, as the pressures are lower, and the concentration of oxygen in the air we breathe is at a normal level. Swimming with fishes and using CO2 tanks do not contribute to oxygen toxicity, as they relate to different concerns in diving. Understanding the impacts of pressure and oxygen concentration is critical for ensuring safe diving practices.