ELI5- Why is it dangerous for a scuba diver to ascend too quickly?

369 views

ELI5- Why is it dangerous for a scuba diver to ascend too quickly?

In: 19

10 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Dissolved gasses in your blood emerge as bubbles from solution due to the effects of rapid decompression, which in turn is caused by too quick of a reduction in external pressure as you rise quickly from deep water to shallow water. Known as compression sickness or the bends. Just like when you open a carbonated beverage.

These gas bubbles can wreak havok on your lungs and venous systems through gas embolism and cause central nervous damage leading to paralysis, coma and even death.

You are viewing 1 out of 10 answers, click here to view all answers.