How does EANx reduce the risk of decompression sickness?

Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) reduces the risk of decompression sickness primarily by decreasing the amount of nitrogen that is absorbed by the body during a dive. When divers use air that contains a higher percentage of oxygen and a correspondingly lower percentage of nitrogen compared to regular air, the total amount of nitrogen available to be absorbed decreases. This is significant because nitrogen is the gas that contributes to decompression sickness when divers ascend after a dive. By using EANx, divers can enjoy longer bottom times or greater safety margins on their ascents since there is less nitrogen loading in their tissues.

This effect is particularly advantageous during dives, as it allows for a reduction in nitrogen narcosis and the associated risks of longer exposures to ambient pressure, leading to fewer no-decompression limit violations. Thus, the use of EANx helps divers mitigate the risk of developing decompression sickness by managing the amount of nitrogen absorbed into their bodies during the dive.