Which of the following is a benefit of using EANx for divers?

Using Enriched Air Nitrox (EANx) provides a significant benefit in terms of reduced nitrogen absorption when compared to breathing air during dives. As divers descend, they absorb gases from the breathing mixture. The primary component of air is nitrogen, which can lead to nitrogen narcosis and potentially to decompression sickness if divers ascend too quickly or do not allow sufficient time for nitrogen to be safely off-gassed.

With EANx, particularly those mixtures with higher oxygen content (up to 40%), the proportion of nitrogen in the mixture is lower. This means that for any given dive profile, the diver is exposed to less nitrogen, reducing the overall nitrogen load in their body. This can lead to longer bottom times and shorter surface intervals, while still minimizing the risk of decompression sickness.

This understanding of reduced nitrogen absorption is crucial for divers as it allows for greater safety margins, especially on repetitive dives or when planning multi-level dives. Therefore, the benefit of using EANx is directly linked to enhancing safety and extending dive opportunities for divers.