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Diving - nitrogen narcosisNitrogen narcosis produces a state which is said to be a very similar feeling to being intoxicated by alcohol and it is usually found in divers who dive at a depth of 100 feet or more, it can however occur at any depth but it is usually only noticed at deeper depths. While the exact cause is not known, it is thought to occur as a result of high nitrogen pressure on nerve transmission.While the condition was first noticed in nitrogen, it also occurs with other gases including argon and hydrogen and causes very similar effects when under high pressure. The onset of nitrogen narcosis is generally hard to recognise in others as it produces perception-altering effects but due to the illogical behaviour it brings and its own toxicity, it can kill. The cure for nitrogen narcosis is a simple one for if the diver returns to lower depths the effects will disappear and the diver will then return to normal. The effects and risk factors of nitrogen narcosis Narcosis is the second most risk to divers after the "bends" in which the ascent causes problems; the most dangerous aspect of narcosis is the inability to make decisions. Narcosis also causes a loss of focus, impaired judgement and a lack of co-ordination and can bring about feelings of invulnerability which can make the diver take risks that he wouldn't normally take which then leads them to danger. Some divers have been known to make extremely dangerous decisions such as removing their masks and accelerating to depths of excessive levels. When divers are impaired this way they don't recognise it and the dangers they are putting themselves in. Other effects of narcosis include dizziness, tingling and numbness of the lips, panic, giddiness, exhilaration and paranoia. Some divers seem more able to cope with nitrogen narcosis but studies have shown that all divers all susceptible to it. Serious impairment due to narcosis can generally start to occur around a depth of 100 feet, at a depth of around 300 feet nitrogen narcosis leads to hallucinations and unconsciousness will occur. Although narcosis is more commonly reported at levels of 100 feet or more it can happen at levels above this and the effects or severity of it is thought to depend on the divers themselves. Avoiding nitrogen narcosis The easiest way to avoid narcosis is to limit the depth of the dive to above 100 feet other than this if you want to dive deeper then you should be aware that narcosis could happen and be aware of the symptoms. If you should find that you are suffering from it then you should ascend to a safer level above 100 feet and the signs and symptoms will be relieved. Most recreational diving schools will only certify basic divers to go down to around 60 feet and narcosis generally isn't a concern at this depth, specialist training is normally required to go down below 100 feet and divers will have been instructed about nitrogen narcosis, its symptoms and effects and treatment. |
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