What gases are released during the decompression process?

During the decompression process, nitrogen and other inert gases are released from the tissues of the body as a diver ascends after a dive. When divers are exposed to high-pressure environments, such as underwater, nitrogen from the breathing gas is absorbed into the body tissues. If a diver ascends too quickly, the nitrogen that was dissolved in the tissues can form bubbles, which may lead to decompression sickness or "the bends."

As a diver ascends slowly, the nitrogen is gradually released from the body into the lungs, where it is exhaled. This gradual release is critical to prevent the formation of harmful bubbles in the body. While oxygen is also involved in the diving mix, it is the inert gases, primarily nitrogen, that are the primary concern during the decompression process. Other inert gases, such as helium (if used in mixed gases), also follow this principle but nitrogen is the main focus in standard air diving scenarios.