What does increasing depths do to the risk of decompression sickness?

Increasing depths significantly increases the risk of decompression sickness, also known as "the bends." This condition arises because as a diver descends deeper into the water, the ambient pressure surrounding them increases. Higher pressure allows the body to absorb more nitrogen from the breathing gas, primarily when breathing air, which contains roughly 78% nitrogen.

As the diver ascends, the pressure decreases, and the absorbed nitrogen comes out of solution. If a diver ascends too quickly, it causes nitrogen to form bubbles in the body tissues and bloodstream, leading to decompression sickness. Therefore, the deeper the diver goes, the more nitrogen they absorb and the greater the potential for rapid ascent issues. Effective decompression practices, such as making scheduled stops during ascent, are critical to managing the risks associated with this increased nitrogen load as depth increases.

Understanding this relationship is crucial for divers to maintain safety and reduce the risks associated with deeper dives. This knowledge aids divers in planning their dives appropriately and implementing necessary safety measures during ascent.