empressdiver
Contributor
In a recent discussion on nitrox I had with a few other divers, they took the position that oxygen was just as narcotic as nitrogen, and therefore using nitrox did not reduce narcosis compared to breathing air. It appears that they may have based this position on a statement made some time ago by Dr. Bill Hamilton of Hamilton Research that he had a little data which says a person's impairment is the same at high and low O2 levels of nitrox and so O2 is just as narcotic as nitrogen.
Dr. David Sawatzky wrote an article in Diver Magazine, December 1996, entitled "Oxygen Narcosis: Fact or Fiction?" He surveyed the research up to that date and concluded that oxygen narcosis is of no significance to recreational divers. Another diver has just stated that the doctor has confirmed that his article is still current.
I would like to ask an expert if there is anything to add to this conclusion.
Dr. David Sawatzky wrote an article in Diver Magazine, December 1996, entitled "Oxygen Narcosis: Fact or Fiction?" He surveyed the research up to that date and concluded that oxygen narcosis is of no significance to recreational divers. Another diver has just stated that the doctor has confirmed that his article is still current.
I would like to ask an expert if there is anything to add to this conclusion.