What will happen when you breath compressed air?
Breathing compressed air can have a range of effects on the human body, depending on the pressure and duration of exposure:
Increased Oxygen Intake: Inhaled compressed air has a higher concentration of oxygen than normal air, which can lead to an increased oxygen intake by the body. This may be beneficial for people with respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, who have difficulty getting enough oxygen.
Nitrogen Narcosis: At higher pressures, nitrogen in compressed air can have a narcotic effect on the body, similar to the effects of alcohol. This can cause impaired judgment, euphoria, and difficulty thinking clearly. Nitrogen narcosis is a particular concern for divers who descend to deep depths.
Oxygen Toxicity: Breathing compressed air at high pressures for extended periods can lead to oxygen toxicity. This condition is characterized by seizures, muscle twitching, and loss of consciousness. Oxygen toxicity is a risk for divers who stay underwater for long durations or ascend too quickly from deep dives.
Barotrauma: Rapid changes in pressure during ascent or descent can cause barotrauma, which is damage to tissues due to pressure differences. Barotrauma can affect the ears, sinuses, lungs, and other parts of the body.
Decompression Sickness (DCS): Also known as "the bends," DCS occurs when nitrogen bubbles form in the body tissues due to rapid ascent from high pressure. DCS can cause pain, joint stiffness, fatigue, and neurological symptoms. Serious cases of DCS can be life-threatening.
Hypothermia: Breathing cold compressed air can lead to hypothermia, especially in divers who are immersed in cold water. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it.
It's important to note that breathing compressed air should only be done under controlled conditions, such as in diving or medical settings, where proper safety measures and training are in place to minimize potential risks.