In terms of scuba diving safety, which is the primary concern when using Nitrox?

The primary concern when using Nitrox in scuba diving is controlling oxygen exposure. Nitrox is a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, with a higher percentage of oxygen than regular air. While the increased oxygen content can help reduce nitrogen narcosis and extend bottom times, it also presents the risk of oxygen toxicity if divers are exposed to high partial pressures of oxygen for extended periods or at greater depths.

As divers go deeper, the pressure increases, which in turn increases the partial pressure of oxygen in the breathing gas. This can potentially lead to symptoms of oxygen toxicity, which can affect the central nervous system and cause serious health issues. Therefore, it is crucial for divers to monitor their depth and time to ensure that they stay within safe limits for oxygen exposure while utilizing Nitrox.

Understanding these risks is vital for ensuring safety during dives with Nitrox, making the management of oxygen exposure the most critical concern. This focus on oxygen levels is what differentiates Nitrox from regular air diving, where nitrogen management is typically the primary concern.