The air tanks used by divers are composed of 78 to 80% nitrogen gas. As the diver descends, the pressure increases. According to Physics, the biological effect of a gas is related to the partial pressure at which it is breathed. While diving, the pressure increases by 1 ATA per 10 meters deep.
According to Dalton's Law, the partial pressure of the gases in a mixture of these increases proportionally to the increase of the environmental pressure.
This is:
Partial pressure = Concentration x Environmental pressure
However, in most of the divers at 4 ATA (that means 30 meters) it is when you can see the effects and symptoms of Nitrogen Narcosis. That means that at a partial pressure of nitrogen of 3.2 ATA it´s when the element is toxic to the body. And that is given by the ecuation (by Dalton´s Law):
Partial Pressure of Nitrogen= 0.80 x 4 ATA= 3.2 ATA.
But, how is the body affected by Nitrogen Narcosis?
It is not well known how Nitrogen Narcosis is caused and how it affects the body, however, it is believed that it has to be with Henry´s Law.
Henry´s Law states that if the partial pressure of the gas exposed to the liquid increases, more gas will dissolve in the liquid.
That means that as the diver descends and according to Dalton´s Law, the partial pressure of nitrogen increases, and according to Henry´s Law high partial pressure of nitrogen gas will cause that it changes its state of agreggation to liquid, making it dissolve in the blood.
Then, the N2 has a high coefficient of water / fat solubility, so that in contact with the lipid membrane of the neurons dissolves in the same, causing its thickening and increasing the flow of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) ions. The preferred site of action is the central nervous system (the brain). It is a highly irrigated organ and the nerve cells are fat cells per excellence. The narcotic effect occurs at synapses, which are the nerve contacts between neurons. The mechanism is an interference in the electrochemical processes necessary for the exchange of electrical potential in the synaptic buttons, due to the variation introduced by the N2 in the membrane potential and the consequent alteration of the normal potential of ions Sodium (Na), Chlorine ( Cl) and Potassium (K) on both sides of the membrane.
Solution:
Ascend to the surface will make all the symptoms that causes Nitrogen Narcosis go away.
REFERENCE:
Wilson, S.. (2002). Manual Oxford de Medicina Deportiva. España: Paidotribo.
REFERENCE:
Wilson, S.. (2002). Manual Oxford de Medicina Deportiva. España: Paidotribo.
