What is the primary hazard of exceeding oxygen exposure limits?

Exceeding oxygen exposure limits primarily leads to central nervous system oxygen toxicity. This condition occurs when the partial pressure of oxygen in the breathing gas becomes too high, which can result from prolonged exposure to elevated oxygen levels, typically experienced in enriched air diving or other high-oxygen environments.

When a diver breathes in high concentrations of oxygen, it increases the risk of neurological effects. Symptoms may include visual disturbances, nausea, twitching, and potentially seizures. This toxicity arises because oxygen exerts reactive biochemistry when present at elevated pressures, culminating in nerve cell dysfunction and damage.

Understanding this hazard is crucial for divers using enriched air, as managing oxygen exposure is vital for safe diving practices. Divers must be aware of the maximum exposure limits and adhere to safe dive practices to mitigate the risk of central nervous system oxygen toxicity. Awareness of this primary hazard is essential in planning and executing dives with enriched air.