What is a potential risk associated with rapid decompression?

Rapid decompression poses a significant risk of barotrauma. This occurs because the sudden change in pressure can lead to the expansion of gases that are dissolved in the body’s tissues and fluids. For example, if a diver ascends too quickly, the nitrogen that was previously under high pressure in their tissues starts to form bubbles. These bubbles can cause damage to lung tissue, leading to conditions such as pulmonary barotrauma, or they can block blood vessels, resulting in decompression sickness.

Barotrauma can manifest in several ways, including damage to the ears, sinuses, and lungs, and can lead to serious complications if not managed appropriately. The risk of barotrauma is directly related to how quickly a person ascends to the surface, underlining the importance of following safe ascent rates in diving practices.

Other options, while potentially significant, do not directly relate to the immediate physiological effects of rapid decompression in the same way that barotrauma does.