What primary risk is associated with Nitrox diving?

The primary risk associated with Nitrox diving is oxygen exposure. Nitrox, a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen, typically has a higher percentage of oxygen than regular air. While this can be beneficial for reducing the likelihood of decompression sickness due to lower nitrogen content, it also brings the risk of oxygen toxicity.

When divers breathe oxygen at partial pressures above certain levels (typically above 1.4 ATA at depths), it can lead to central nervous system reactions, which may include seizures and other serious health issues. Understanding and managing the maximum operating depth and ensuring proper gas mixture for the depth being dived are crucial to mitigating this risk. Therefore, divers need to be trained in managing oxygen exposure to harness the benefits of Nitrox while minimizing hazards effectively.