Which is a major health risk associated with scuba diving?

Decompression sickness, often referred to as "the bends," is a major health risk associated with scuba diving due to the physiological effects of changes in pressure as divers ascend and descend. When divers are at depths, they are exposed to higher pressures, which causes their bodies to absorb more nitrogen from the air they breathe. If a diver ascends too quickly, the rapid decrease in pressure can lead to the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the bloodstream and tissues. These bubbles can obstruct blood vessels and cause a variety of symptoms ranging from joint pain and rashes to serious neurological impairments.

Understanding this health risk is crucial for divers, as it emphasizes the importance of following proper ascent procedures, including making safety stops, to allow the nitrogen to safely off-gas from the body. This knowledge helps dive supervisors enforce safety protocols that protect divers from experiencing potentially life-threatening conditions associated with rapid ascents.