What effect does using Nitrox generally have on a diver's dive safety?

Using Nitrox generally reduces the risk of decompression sickness due to its lower levels of nitrogen compared to air, which is composed of approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. When divers use Nitrox, they are breathing a gas mixture that contains a higher proportion of oxygen and a correspondingly lower proportion of nitrogen. Since decompression sickness is primarily caused by nitrogen bubbles forming in the body when a diver ascends too quickly or exceeds their no-decompression limits, reducing nitrogen exposure helps minimize the amount of nitrogen that can dissolve in the tissues during a dive. This allows divers to potentially extend their bottom times or ascend more safely with a lower risk of developing decompression sickness.

Additionally, the increased oxygen in the mixture can improve a diver's overall awareness and decrease fatigue, further contributing to a safer diving experience. While it is important to be aware of the specific oxygen limits to avoid toxicity, the overall effect of using Nitrox is a lower risk associated with nitrogen absorption.