Posted by dvrshn on August 08, 2002 at 21:47:54:
In Reply to: Oxygen? posted by Eagle Ray on August 07, 2002 at 10:39:21:
...the net result of breathing O2 on the surface for 1 or 2 minutes would be nil. Nothing.
You won't have a toxic event. It's not going to put your oxygen clock out the window, nor will it create a longterm OTU buildup in your system.
It won't substantially reduce the N2 concentrations in your system.
It won't make your next dive safer.
It will probably make you thirsty.
People on the beach or on the boat will point at you and discuss your lineage, and continue to try to put you into ambulances.
Now, if you use the oxygen for more than two minutes, you can have some some adverse effects. Ya, I know, you will only use it for 2 minutes (and I'll bet you'll only have 1 beer ;-)
You can damage your lungs.
You could mask marginal DCI symptoms.
As noted by others, the cost, annoyance, and lack of benefit make this a waste of time.
As also noted by others, the best way to understand the pros and cons of this is to get qualified training in the use and administration of oxygen.
Cheers.
Dvrshn