What is the effect of increased ambient pressure on breathing gas?

Increased ambient pressure has a significant impact on the solubility of gases in body tissues. As ambient pressure increases, the amount of gas that can be dissolved in body fluids and tissues also increases. This relationship is described by Henry's Law, which states that at higher pressures, more gas can dissolve into a liquid. For divers, this is particularly relevant because it means that as a diver goes deeper and experiences higher pressures, the nitrogen and other gases present in their breathing mix will be absorbed into their tissues more readily.

This increase in tissue gas loading necessitates careful planning during dives, particularly when it comes to ascent rates and decompression stops. If divers ascend too quickly without giving their bodies enough time to eliminate the absorbed gases, they risk developing decompression sickness (DCS), commonly known as "the bends." Thus, understanding how increased ambient pressure affects gas solubility is crucial for safe diving practices.