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Rapture of the deep: gas narcosis may impair decision-making in scuba divers

2023; Volume: 53; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.28920/dhm53.4.306-312

2209-1491

Pauliina A. Ahti, Jan Wikgren,

Ocean Acidification Effects and Responses

While gas narcosis is familiar to most divers conducting deep (> 30 metres) dives, its effects are often considered minuscule or subtle at 30 metres. However, previous studies have shown that narcosis may affect divers at depths usually considered safe from its influence, but little knowledge exists on the effects of gas narcosis on higher cognitive functions such as decision-making in relatively shallow water at 30 metres. Impaired decision-making could be a significant safety issue for a multitasking diver.