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What is the cause of decompression sickness (DCS)?

When diving, a diver’s body absorbs excess nitrogen in response to the increased pressure of the surrounding water.  Decompression sickness (also known as the bends) occurs when a diver ascends faster than the excess nitrogen can leave the body.  When this happens, bubbles of nitrogen will form in the blood and tissues of the body and this can cause damage throughout the body.

Category:
  • General Scuba
Keywords: scuba diving faqs, general scuba, decompression sickness (DCS) Author:
JGD
Related Tags: Scuba Diving FAQs