[PSUBS-MAILIST] Air embolisms

[HUNTR2@aol.com]

It must be said again.... there is NO danger of an air embolism by taking a breath at the surface of the water and diving as deep as you want.  The air in your lungs compresses as you descend and then expands again to the SAME volume when you ascend.  
BUT if you take a breath of air at any depth (ie. from a scuba or hooka rig) it IS compressed because it is below the surface.  Therefore, when you surface, it expands.  Now, if you fill your lungs to capacity with this compressed air, it feels like a normal breath. But when you ascend, the air will expand and overstretch your lungs.

You kids couldn't get hurt.
Gene