What is a significant risk of using high percentages of oxygen?

Get ready for the SSI Specialty Course Enriched Air Nitrox (SC-EAN) 40% Level 2 Test. Review key concepts with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations. Prepare for success!

The significant risk associated with using high percentages of oxygen is oxygen toxicity. When divers breathe mixtures with a high concentration of oxygen, especially beyond certain partial pressure limits, they may experience various adverse effects on the central nervous system and lungs. The symptoms of oxygen toxicity can include visual disturbances, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), dizziness, and seizures. The risk increases with both depth and the percentage of oxygen in the breathing mixture.

In contrast, barotrauma occurs due to pressure changes and affects the physical structures of the body, while decompression sickness is related to nitrogen bubbles forming in the body tissues during ascent. Nitrogen narcosis is associated with the effects of nitrogen at depth and does not pertain to high oxygen levels. Understanding these different risks is crucial for divers to manage their safety effectively while using enriched air nitrox and to mitigate the potential dangers of high oxygen exposure.

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