How can divers reduce their risk of oxygen toxicity?

To reduce the risk of oxygen toxicity, divers should adhere to established limits on oxygen partial pressures. This principle is crucial because oxygen toxicity primarily arises when divers breathe oxygen at pressures higher than what their body can safely tolerate.

Each gas mixture has a maximum operating depth determined by the partial pressure of oxygen, and staying within these limits ensures that the oxygen levels remain at a safe level. The partial pressure of oxygen increases with depth; therefore, understanding and respecting these limits is vital for safe diving practices.

Monitoring and managing the total exposure to oxygen also plays an essential role in preventing toxicity. Divers must keep track of their dive profiles and oxygen exposure time at different depths to maintain a safe level of oxygen in their systems. This proactive approach helps in avoiding reaching critical thresholds that could lead to symptoms of oxygen toxicity, which can range from visual changes to seizures in serious cases.

On the other hand, increasing dive depth can actually increase the risk of oxygen toxicity due to higher partial pressures, using larger gas tanks does not inherently mitigate toxicity risk, and diversifying gas mixtures does not necessarily guarantee a safer environment without considering the specific partial pressures involved.