Scuba Diving: Carbon Dioxide Toxicity

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• Carbon Dioxide Toxicity Overview
• Carbon Dioxide Toxicity Symptoms
• Carbon Dioxide Toxicity Treatment
• When to Seek Medical Care
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Carbon Dioxide Toxicity Overview

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.