Carbon monoxide - effects during diving when descending and at depth

• carbon monoxide
  • breathing gas must contain less than 5 parts per million (ppm) of carbon monoxide
  • if the breathing gas contains higher concentrations then as it is compressed the partial pressure of carbon monoxide may rise to potentially lethal levels
  • main source of the gas is from the exhaust fumes of the engine of an air compressor
    • if not expelled well away from the inlet to the compressor, may be drawn into the diver's air cylinder

Reference:

• 1) Edge CJ. Recreational diving medicine.Current Anaesthesia Critical Care 2008; 19 (4): 235-246.