Latvia, with its Baltic Sea coastline and inland waters, offers many opportunities for diving. Whether you are a professional diver or a hobbyist, the quality of the air you breathe underwater is crucial for your safety and health. Poor air quality can cause serious health problems, especially at depth, where pressure increases the effects of air on the body, confirms high-pressure compressor specialist, PADI diver trainer, Valters Preimanis.
The exciting and adventurous sport of diving requires not only good physical fitness and skills, but also knowledge of safety. One of the most important aspects is the quality of the breathing air, especially the level of carbon dioxide (CO₂). In this article, we will look at the most important points that divers should consider to avoid polluted air and ensure a safe and enjoyable dive.
The impact of CO₂ on divers
CO₂ is a natural byproduct of breathing, but elevated levels can cause serious health problems. Divers are particularly at risk because breathing gas exchange can be difficult during diving.
Symptoms indicating CO₂ toxicity:
- Vision and hearing impairment
- Dizziness and headache
- Sweating and shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Confusion and loss of consciousness
It is important to remember that the partial pressure of CO₂ increases with depth, so even a small increase in CO₂ levels at the surface can have serious consequences at depth.
Air quality standards and measurements
To ensure safe breathing air, international standards have been developed, such as EN 12021:2014, which sets a maximum permissible CO₂ level of 500 ppm (parts per million). Divers should ensure that the breathing air they use meets these standards.
Practical tips for divers:
- Check air sources: Only use reliable air filling stations that provide regular air quality checks.
- Pay attention to the equipment: Regularly check your diving equipment to ensure proper airflow and eliminate CO₂ buildup.
- Monitor your condition: Monitor your well-being closely while diving and report any unusual symptoms immediately.
- Plan your dive: Follow dive plans and do not exceed recommended depths to reduce the risk of CO₂ toxicity.
- Educate yourself: Regularly update your knowledge about diving safety and the effects of breathing gases on the body.
Divers need to understand that air quality is a very important aspect. Therefore, it is necessary to pay increased attention to it.
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) toxicity – the invisible threat
One of the main risks associated with poor air quality in diving is carbon dioxide (CO₂) toxicity. As stated in the standards, even a small excess of CO₂ levels can cause a range of unpleasant and even dangerous symptoms. EN 12021:2014 The standard for breathing air sets a maximum CO₂ level of 500 ppm (parts per million). Even at this level, the first warning signs can appear:
- Visual impairment: Blurred vision.
- Central nervous system effects: Sleep, light anesthesia.
- Hearing impairment: Hearing loss, dizziness, confusion.
- Headache: Severe headaches.
- In severe cases: Loss of consciousness.
- Physical manifestations: Sweating, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure, tremors.
It is important to remember that pressure at depth significantly increases the partial pressure of CO₂. At a depth of 50 meters, the partial pressure is 6 times higher than at the surface! This means that even a small amount of CO₂ contamination at the surface can become much more dangerous at depth.
How do modern high-pressure compressors help ensure high air quality?
High-quality compressors, such as Bauer compressors, are essential for providing safe breathing air for divers. Bauer compressors are known for their ability to produce high-purity air that meets strict standards such as DIN EN 12021. These compressors are equipped with advanced filtration systems that effectively remove pollutants, including carbon monoxide (CO), which is particularly dangerous and can be converted into the less toxic carbon dioxide (CO₂). Some Bauer SECCANT models even offer a CO conversion option, which further improves air safety.
In addition, Bauer compressors also provide:
- Air/gas drying: Effectively removes water vapor, lowering the dew point and preventing corrosion and equipment damage.
- Oil removal: Using activated carbon filters, they remove oil and hydrocarbons, ensuring that the air is clean from oil contamination.
- Particle removal: Includes particle filters to remove solid particles and ensure clean breathing air.
5 key points for divers to avoid polluted air:
- Comply with standards: Make sure the quality of the breathing air meets established standards, such as EN 12021:2014, which sets maximum CO₂ levels.
- Be aware of the symptoms: Learn about the symptoms of CO₂ toxicity to recognize signs of poisoning early.
- Watch the depth: Note that the partial pressure of CO₂ increases at depth, which can increase the risk of toxicity.
- Control air quality: Use reliable air sources and check air quality regularly.
- Pay attention to measurements: Keep track of changes in CO₂ levels and take into account seasonal and urban changes in air quality.
Conclusion
Diving in Latvian waters can be an exciting experience, but safety should always be a priority. Providing high-quality breathing air is a critical aspect of diver safety.
By choosing a trusted dive center like Daivings.lv, and quality compressors like Bauer, and by regularly checking air quality, divers can significantly reduce the risks associated with polluted air and enjoy a safe and enjoyable diving experience. Don't forget that taking care of the air you breathe is taking care of your health and life underwater!
