What factors can exacerbate the risks associated with higher oxygen levels in Nitrox diving?

The risks associated with higher oxygen levels in Nitrox diving can indeed be exacerbated by high pressures, physical exertion, and shallow depths.

When diving with enriched air nitrox, the increased partial pressure of oxygen at greater depths can lead to oxygen toxicity, which can result in serious health issues, including convulsions or other neurological effects. High pressures increase the effect of the oxygen inhaled, intensifying the risk of these negative outcomes.

Physical exertion while diving can also amplify the risk because it elevates the body's metabolic rate and oxygen consumption, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen taken in under pressure. This can swiftly elevate the risks associated with high oxygen partial pressures.

While shallow depths generally reduce the risk of oxygen toxicity, if physical exertion is significant, the associated risks may still be notable. Therefore, it is crucial for divers to manage their exertion levels, be conscious of the depth at which they are diving, and understand the potential dangers of high oxygen levels in their breathing mix.