What can be a risk of using enriched air nitrox without proper training?

Using enriched air nitrox can indeed lead to an increased likelihood of oxygen toxicity if divers do not have proper training. Enriched air nitrox contains a higher percentage of oxygen than regular air, which can enhance the risk of oxygen toxicity when divers exceed specific depth and exposure limits. While many divers may not be aware of these limits, they can lead to serious health issues, such as central nervous system toxicity, when the partial pressure of oxygen rises too high during a dive, particularly at greater depths.

Proper training provides divers with the knowledge to manage these risks effectively, including understanding their maximum operating depth for the specific nitrox blend they are using. This ensures that divers can enjoy the benefits of enriched air nitrox, such as reduced nitrogen absorption and longer bottom times, while also minimizing the dangers associated with increased oxygen levels.