Mailing List Archive

Mailing List: techdiver

Message Display

Mike Salmon wrote:

-snip-

I have heard it that smoking just before a dive is contra-indicated because
of the residual carbon monoxide. Is there any evidence that this is a
problem? How long a respite should smoking divers give their lungs to
reduce the problem?

Presumably there's also some airway closure and consequent effect on
peak-flow etc from the respiratory irritation. Again, how long do the lungs
take to recover after a cig?

-snip-

The main problem with smoking is the airway inflammation and subsequent
constriction that it causes. This may result in pockets of gas becoming
trapped with variation in ambient pressure, and subsequent barotrauma. Some
individuals are clearly more susceptible to lung damage than others, but
unfortunately it's impossible to tell until the damage has occurred.

Smoking causes some of its effects on the lungs by production of harmful
free radicals, which should be of concern to anyone who breathes hyperoxic
mixtures.


Andrew Pitkin
apitkin@ci*.co*.co*.uk*

"There's always slack somewhere" (Houdini)

Navigate by Author: [Previous] [Next] [Author Search Index]
Navigate by Subject: [Previous] [Next] [Subject Search Index]

[Send Reply] [Send Message with New Topic]

[Search Selection] [Mailing List Home] [Home]