What is a common misconception about diving with EANx?

Diving with Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) indeed carries with it several misconceptions that divers may have. Among these, the belief that it is safe to dive deeper than with regular air is a notable misunderstanding.

While EANx can provide advantages such as reduced nitrogen uptake and extended no-decompression limits at certain depths due to its higher oxygen content, it does not automatically confer safety for deeper dives. The physiological effects of higher partial pressures of oxygen as depth increases can lead to toxic effects, specifically oxygen toxicity, which varies depending on the fraction of oxygen present in the mix. Hence, the maximum operating depth for a given mix must always be adhered to in order to maintain safety during the dive.

It is essential to understand and respect the limitations of the dive profile and adhere to specific training and calculations regarding oxygen exposure when using EANx. This ensures divers remain within safe operational parameters to prevent any serious risks associated with diving deeper than what is advised for their chosen gas mixture.