Photo of a carbon dioxide molecule with words "scuba tips carbon dioxide toxicity"
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Carbon Dioxide toxicity: Causes; Signs & Symptoms; Treatment; And Prevention (According to a scuba instructor)

ByJason Botticelli Hours

As most of us know, carbon dioxide (CO2) is a byproduct of our breathing. Every time that we exhale, we are breathing out carbon dioxide that is created through our bodies’ metabolism. Us scuba divers have to be concerned with carbon dioxide toxicity when breathing compressed air from our scuba tanks. Below we will discuss carbon dioxide toxicity causes, signs and symptoms, treatment and prevention…class is in session.

What Is Carbon dioxide Toxicity

As mentioned above, we expel carbon dioxide when we exhale. It is actually the build up of carbon dioxide, and not the lack of oxygen, that gives us the urge to take a breath when we are holding our breath.

Photo of a person holding their breath.
It is the build up of carbon dioxide in our body that gives us that urge to breath when holding our breath. (Photo courtesy of livescience.com)

So carbon dioxide toxicity is the build up of carbon dioxide in our bodies.

Causes

Simply stated, the cause of carbon dioxide toxicity while scuba diving is not breathing properly. This includes Hypoventilation (abnormally slow and shallow breathing), Skip breathing (pausing after each breath) and breath holding (which violates the number one rule of scuba – WE DO NOT HOLD OUR BREATH ON SCUBA. In addition to carbon dioxide toxicity, breath holding can also lead to lung overexpansion injuries).

Photo of diagram of breathing, inhaling and exhaling.
Improper breathing can lead to carbon dioxide toxicity. (Photo courtesy of compassptnc.com)

Now you may be asking why would any diver practice hypoventilation, skip breathing or breath holding? Some divers think this is a good way to conserve air in their tank to get a longer dive. However, in reality, it is a good way to get carbon dioxide toxicity. Also, with breath holding, some divers do this, even unconsciously, when trying to take a picture.

Photo of a diver underwater holding a camera.
Some divers hold their breath while taking pictures, causing a build up of carbon dioxide in their body.

Signs And Symptoms

Someone with carbon dioxide toxicity can have many symptoms including drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, headache, nausea and unconsciousness.

photo of a diagram of symptoms of carbon dioxide toxicity.
Carbon dioxide toxicity can manifest in many different ways.

Treatment

Treatment for carbon dioxide toxicity is fairly simple…exposure to fresh air.

Photo of a young scuba diver on the surface of the water.
To treat carbon dioxide toxicity, safely get to the surface and get some fresh air.

Prevention

To prevent carbon monoxide toxicity you are going to maintain a normal breathing pattern, but slightly slower and deeper. It is also important to be in good physical shape for the diving that you are doing.

Photo of two men stretching before exercising.
Being in shape for the type of diving you do will help to avoid carbon dioxide toxicity.

Wrapping Things Up

So to avoid carbon dioxide toxicity keep a normal breathing pattern, breathing slightly slower and deeper while on scuba, be in shape for your diving activities and NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH ON SCUBA! class dismissed.

photo of Scuba Jay behind his desk in scuba class.
Follow your scuba training and be a safe diver.

If You’re Looking For other Scuba Diving Tips, Check Out The Below.

“How boring would the world be if everywhere and everyone were the same. Safe travels and good adventures.” Scuba Jay

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