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Case Reports
. 2023 Dec 20;53(4):356-359.
doi: 10.28920/dhm53.4.356-359.

Hypoxic loss of consciousness in air diving: two cases of mixtures made hypoxic by oxidation of the scuba diving cylinder

Arnaud Druelle  1   2 , Lucille Daubresse  1 , Jean U Mullot  3 , Hélène Streit  4 , Pierre Louge  5
Affiliations
Case Reports

Hypoxic loss of consciousness in air diving: two cases of mixtures made hypoxic by oxidation of the scuba diving cylinder

Arnaud Druelle et al. Diving Hyperb Med. .

Abstract

Without an adequate supply of oxygen from the scuba apparatus, humans would not be able to dive. The air normally contained in a scuba tank is dry and free of toxic gases. The presence of liquid in the tank can cause corrosion and change the composition of the gas mixture. Various chemical reactions consume oxygen, making the mixture hypoxic. We report two cases of internal corrosion of a scuba cylinder rendering the respired gas profoundly hypoxic and causing immediate hypoxic loss of consciousness in divers.

Keywords: Case reports; Corrosion; Diving tank; Hypoxia; Oxygen consumption; Rust; Unconsciousness.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest and funding: nil

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Internal condition of the scuba cylinder from case 1
Figure 2
Figure 2
Internal condition of the scuba cylinder from case 2
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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