What is the primary hazard associated with using EAN50?

The primary hazard associated with using EAN50, which is an enriched air nitrox mixture that contains 50% oxygen, is the higher risk of oxygen toxicity. This is due to the increased partial pressure of oxygen that divers are exposed to when breathing gas mixtures that have elevated oxygen levels compared to air.

As the proportion of oxygen increases in the breathing gas, the risk of experiencing oxygen toxicity also increases, particularly when a diver exceeds certain depth limits or remains at depth for extended periods. Symptoms of oxygen toxicity can include visual disturbances, muscle twitching, and, in severe cases, seizures, which can pose serious risks while diving.

Understanding the specific oxygen toxicity limits for different oxygen concentrations is critical for safe diving practices. In this case, EAN50 is recommended for use within specific depth limits (generally no deeper than 30 meters or 100 feet) to mitigate this risk. This focus on managing oxygen exposure is paramount in enriched air diving training to ensure divers can enjoy the benefits of using nitrox while minimizing the potential hazards related to increased oxygen levels.