Which factor contributes to the lower risk of oxygen toxicity in recreational diving?

The factor that contributes to the lower risk of oxygen toxicity in recreational diving is short dive durations. When divers limit their time spent underwater, they reduce the exposure to higher pressures of oxygen, which is a primary risk for oxygen toxicity. Oxygen toxicity occurs when a diver is exposed to elevated partial pressures of oxygen, which can lead to harmful neurological effects. By keeping dives short, divers minimize the time they are under increased pressure, thereby lowering their risk of experiencing oxygen toxicity.

This approach is particularly crucial in recreational diving, where divers often operate within certain depth and time limits to ensure safety. While other factors, such as oxygen saturation levels, scuba gear, and water depth, may play a role in overall diving safety, the duration of the dive is a direct factor that can be controlled to mitigate the risks associated with high oxygen levels.