What is one risk factor for decompression sickness?

Deep dives without safety stops present a significant risk factor for decompression sickness (DCS). When a diver ascends too quickly after a deep dive, dissolved nitrogen in the body has insufficient time to safely escape from body tissues and return to the lungs, where it can be exhaled. This rapid ascent can lead to bubbles forming in the bloodstream and tissues, resulting in the symptoms and complications associated with decompression sickness.

Safety stops, typically performed at a depth of around 5 meters (15 feet) for a few minutes during ascent, allow for gradual off-gassing of nitrogen and significantly mitigate the risk of DCS. By not including these safety stops, the diver increases the likelihood of nitrogen saturation exceeding safe limits.

Short dives do not inherently pose a risk for decompression sickness if they are within recreational limits. Using air instead of nitrox can influence nitrogen absorption but does not directly correlate with increased risk for DCS in the way that improper ascent practices do. Similarly, staying at shallow depths generally minimizes the risks associated with nitrogen accumulation, as the pressures and resultant nitrogen absorption are lower compared to deeper dives.