Posted by MuckDiver on January 17, 2001 at 21:55:00:
In Reply to: Some Nitrox/Mixed Gas Partial Pressure Questions posted by mattschechter on January 17, 2001 at 20:39:26:
You increase the partial pressure of a gas like nitrogen by diving to deeper depths. The deeper you go the more of the gas you absorb. At depths of over 100 feet, nitrogen starts to get narcotic. Past 250 feet possible convulsions or even death.
Oxygen toxicity (oxtox) pretty much occurs when divers are using air as a breathing mix and diving to depths of over 200 feet. That's why there are tri-mix classes. Using a mix of EANx40 at a depth of 130 feet the partial pressure of oxygen is 2 atmospheres. It has been found that oxygen toxicity can be had at partial pressures as low as 1.4 ATA(atmoshperes). Oxtox is also not good for the body.
Safe diving.
Bill