The breathing gases used by divers and their toxic effects The physical and physiological effects of the underwater environment Currently, the challenging forms of occupational diving associated with offshore oilfield exploration and construction are undergoing a major resurgence. 1 In addition to recreational diving, many dives are undertaken for scientific, seafood harvesting, construction, maintenance, filming, military, forensic and rescue purposes. Although modern equipment and training have made diving relatively safe, an average of 100 diving related deaths and 1100 cases of decompression illness are reported annually in the USA alone. The world’s largest diver training agency, PADI, certifies approximately 500 000 new divers annually and it is estimated that around 7 million divers are currently active worldwide.

Despite these challenges, recreational scuba diving is popular. We will discuss current developments in diving research and some potential translational research areas.ĭiving exposes humans to immersion and to elevated ambient pressures, which result in a range of physiological effects and potentially pathophysiological sequelae over and above the risk of drowning. We will review current diving practice, the physics and physiology of the hyperbaric environment, and the pathophysiology and treatment of diving related diseases. Understanding the nature of this pathophysiology provides insight into physiological systems under stress and as such may inform translational research relevant to clinical medicine. Divers are exposed to a number of physiological risks as a result of the hyperbaric underwater environment including: the toxic effects of hyperbaric gases, the respiratory effects of increased gas density, drowning, hypothermia and bubble related pathophysiology. Diving related illnesses are consequently an increasingly common clinical problem with over 1000 cases of decompression illness reported annually in the USA alone. Approximately 7 million divers are active worldwide and 500 000 more are training every year. Exposure to the underwater environment for recreational or occupational purposes is increasing.

Bubble trouble legion