Which body parts are most immediately affected by oxygen toxicity?

Oxygen toxicity primarily impacts the lungs and central nervous system due to the high partial pressures of oxygen experienced during deeper dives or extended exposure to oxygen-rich environments.

In the lungs, elevated levels of oxygen can lead to lung inflammation and damage to the alveoli, which significantly impairs gas exchange and can lead to symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing, collectively known as pulmonary oxygen toxicity.

The central nervous system is also particularly sensitive to increased oxygen pressure; symptoms can manifest as visual disturbances, muscle twitching, seizures, or even loss of consciousness. Since the brain and spinal cord utilize oxygen more actively than other tissues, they are vulnerable to its toxic effects when oxygen levels are elevated.

Immediate symptoms of oxygen toxicity can arise rather rapidly, particularly in scenarios involving enriched air nitrox or oxygen-rich environments, making it critical for divers to be aware of these potential effects during their dives.