What is the primary composition of the air we breathe?

The primary composition of the air we breathe is indeed comprised of approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. This accurate ratio is critical to understanding both breathing and diving practices. Nitrogen, being the most abundant gas in the atmosphere, plays a key role in various physiological and environmental processes, including its significant impact on diving with Nitrox mixtures.

In scuba diving, particularly with enriched air nitrox, divers must be aware of the composition of the air they breathe, as it affects both buoyancy and the uptake of gases during dives. The majority of atmospheric nitrogen is inert in our bodies under normal circumstances. However, when diving, the presence of nitrogen and its solubility in tissues becomes crucial in avoiding decompression sickness.

The understanding of atmospheric composition helps divers make informed decisions about their gas mixtures, dive profiles, and safety protocols. Therefore, recognizing that air is primarily composed of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen is foundational knowledge for divers engaging in enriched air nitrox practices.