What is the consequence of breathing pure oxygen at depth?

Breathing pure oxygen at depth can indeed lead to oxygen toxicity, specifically affecting the central nervous system. At increased pressures, the partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs also increases, which can surpass the safe limits for oxygen exposure. This toxicity manifests with symptoms such as visual disturbances, twitching, and convulsions, which can be dangerous while diving.

In diving contexts, pure oxygen is generally avoided below certain depths (usually around 10-20 meters depending on the situation) because the risk of toxicity rises significantly at depths where the partial pressure of oxygen becomes too high. This risk emphasizes the need for careful monitoring when using oxygen in diving scenarios, particularly in environments that already require consideration of other factors like nitrogen narcosis and pressure effects on the body.

Thus, the understanding of oxygen toxicity and its implications at depth highlights why this response regarding the effects of breathing pure oxygen is critical for divers.