Posted by Steve on June 17, 2001 at 13:13:57:
In Reply to: Re: STEVE- Meyer-Overton hypothosis posted by Steve on June 17, 2001 at 08:48:50:
"Let us discuss Dr. Hamilton's comment in reverse order. Although no one knows exactly why some gases are narcotic, it is believed that the physical properties of the gases play a role (recent evidence suggests that the narcotic gases might be exerting their effect through binding to intracellular enzymes). An increase in molecular weight is roughly associated with an increase in narcotic effect but this is certainly not true for the lighter gases (see table) and could be a result of the increasing density of the gas. It has been clearly shown that increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) increase the narcotic effect. As the gas becomes more dense/viscous as a result of increasing molecular weight, the gas becomes harder to move in and out of the lungs. This causes an increase in the level of CO2 in the body and thereby an increased narcotic effect."
A poorly performing regulator which causes increased breathing resistance at depth could also lead to CO2 build up in the blood???