Oxygen Toxicity and Special Operations Forces Diving: Hidden and Dangerous.

Area of Science:

• Diving Medicine
• Hyperbaric Physiology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Special Operations Forces (SOF) utilize 100% oxygen in closed-circuit rebreathers for covert diving.
• High partial pressures of oxygen (PO2) pose risks of central nervous system (CNS) and pulmonary toxicity.
• Oxygen toxicity effects can be severe, irreversible, and impact ocular and systemic inflammatory systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the pathophysiology, epidemiology, and clinical manifestations of oxygen toxicity in SOF diving.
• To review risk factors, prediction models, and their limitations for oxygen toxicity in this context.
• To enhance understanding of oxygen toxicity for improved SOF diving safety.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on oxygen toxicity in hyperbaric environments.
• Analysis of physiological effects of varying PO2 levels and exposure durations.
• Examination of clinical data and predictive models relevant to SOF operations.

Main Results:

• CNS toxicity, including convulsions, can occur above 1.4 ATA PO2.
• Pulmonary toxicity, characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, develops over time above 0.5 ATA PO2.
• Oxygen toxicity presents diverse risks including neurological, pulmonary, ocular, and systemic inflammatory effects, some irreversible.

Conclusions:

• Oxygen toxicity is a significant risk in SOF diving due to the use of high PO2.
• Awareness of signs, symptoms, and risk factors is critical for mitigating adverse outcomes.
• Further research into prediction models and protective strategies is warranted for SOF operational safety.