Why is it important to monitor the oxygen exposure limit during Nitrox dives?

Monitoring the oxygen exposure limit during Nitrox dives is crucial to avoid oxygen toxicity. Oxygen toxicity can occur when divers are exposed to elevated partial pressures of oxygen, leading to potentially harmful physiological effects. It can affect the central nervous system and lungs, resulting in symptoms ranging from visual disturbances and seizures to more serious conditions that can jeopardize both safety and health while diving.

By tracking oxygen exposure, divers can optimize their dive profiles and reduce the risk of experiencing toxicity while still enjoying the benefits of using enriched air. This practice not only enhances safety but also allows divers to extend their dive times, provided they stay within safe limits. In contrast, factors such as buoyancy control and equipment malfunction, while important, are not directly related to the necessity of monitoring oxygen exposure limits.