Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Poisoning

Inadequate ventilation when scuba diving results in carbon dioxide build-up and poison.

• Inadequate ventilation when scuba diving results in carbon dioxide build-up.
• Inadequate breathing, a tight wetsuit, overexertion, regulator malfunction, deep diving, and contamination of the air supply with exhaled gases often cause a carbon dioxide buildup.
• Carbon dioxide levels in the blood can increase, causing shortness of breath and sedation, resulting in carbon dioxide toxicity.

Common symptoms of carbon dioxide poisoning include:

• nausea,
• vomiting,
• dizziness,
• headache,
• rapid breathing and heart rate, and
• flushing.

Severe cases of carbon dioxide toxicity progress to

• confusion,
• convulsions, and
• loss of consciousness.

Treat people with carbon dioxide toxicity as follows:

• Administer fresh air or oxygen.
• Allow the person to rest.
• Call 911 if the person develops severe symptoms or is unresponsive.

Medical assistance is generally not required for people with carbon dioxide toxicity, except in severe cases as defined above.

Oracle ThinkQuest, Diving: Gases and Moisture

Diving Medicine Online, CO2 Retention