What is oxygen toxicity?

Oxygen toxicity refers to the harmful effects that occur when a person is exposed to high partial pressures of oxygen, especially during breathing scenarios such as diving with enriched air nitrox or using high-concentration oxygen. Under elevated pressures, oxygen can become poisonous, leading to various physiological symptoms, including visual disturbances, muscle twitching, and even seizures.

This condition primarily affects the central nervous system and can occur when divers use gas mixtures containing higher levels of oxygen than normal atmospheric air, particularly at depths where the pressure increases. Understanding the risks of oxygen toxicity is crucial for divers using nitrox because they need to monitor their depth and the time spent at those depths to avoid complications while benefiting from the advantages that enriched air provides.

The other options do not accurately describe oxygen toxicity. Low oxygen availability, a method of breathing using oxygen masks, or classifying it as a common diving experience do not capture the specific risks associated with exposure to high partial pressures of oxygen. Therefore, the correct choice highlights the critical need for awareness and mitigation strategies when divers use gas mixtures with elevated oxygen levels.