Nitrogen tissue tensions following repeated breath-hold dives.

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Abstract
Results from electronic computer calculations of nitrogen tissue tensions following repetitive breath-hold dives are reported. They are based on alveolar nitrogen percentages measured during actual diving up to 62 ft in fresh water. These calculations predict that after repeated skin dives to depths of 62-115 ft (18. 5-35 m), it is possible to obtain tissue nitrogen tensions exceeding the maximum allowable tensions of conventional air -supplied diving. Thus decompression sickness from breath-hold diving is a likely possibility when a series of deep dives is performed. Repeated breath-hold dives to such depths should only be performed with long surface intervals to avoid the risk of decompression sickness. Prenitrogenation by breathing compressed air beforehand has been shown to diminish the number of dives necessary to reach a given tissue tension, and thereby increase the risk of decompression sickness. Breath-hold dives to 62 ft or more should be discouraged if the diver, by simulated or real air-supplied diving, has been breathing compressed air immediately before.

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