Hidden Killer: Understanding Carbon Dioxide Toxicity

By | Knowledge Base

Hidden Killer of Scuba Divers: Carbon Dioxide

Carbon dioxide (CO2) isn’t discussed in many recreational scuba diving classes. Many scuba divers are not aware of the dangerous gas their bodies are creating. Divers are either oblivious of, or just plain ignore the presence of this gas all together. However, CO2 may have a detrimental effect if a diver accumulates an excessive amount of CO2. We must understand how this gas is produced and how we can minimize it’s effects in order for us to become safer divers. [Read more...]

Reviewing Dalton’s Law

By | Training

Duane Johnson - Tech Instructor

Duane Johnson - Tech Instructor

I was talking with a diving friend. He mentioned that during a visit to a local dive store, the employees were referring to 50% Nitrox as 50/50. They said that 50/50 was 50% oxygen and 50% air. Air is composed of 21% oxygen and 79% nitrogen. Now, my fifth grade math may be a little rusty, but 50% + 21% + 79% = 150%. Unless this dive store has found a new gas law, it looks like a quick review of Dalton’s Law is in order. [Read more...]