We all know decompression sickness is caused by nitrogen (or helium) absorbed by tissues in the body. If a diver ascends too quickly, the gas doesn't have time to leave the body safely, and forms bubbles. I'm wondering why oxygen doesn't have the same problem.
One explanation I've gotten is that oxygen doesn't have a chance to get absorbed because it's metabolized. But any rebreather diver can confirm that most of the oxygen in each breath is not metabolized, and gets exhaled along with the nitrogen.
I've also heard that it's because oxygen is just not soluble in body tissues. That also seems unlikely, since there's at least enough oxygen dissolved in sea water for marine animals to survive.
Anyone have an explanation?
One explanation I've gotten is that oxygen doesn't have a chance to get absorbed because it's metabolized. But any rebreather diver can confirm that most of the oxygen in each breath is not metabolized, and gets exhaled along with the nitrogen.
I've also heard that it's because oxygen is just not soluble in body tissues. That also seems unlikely, since there's at least enough oxygen dissolved in sea water for marine animals to survive.
Anyone have an explanation?