What gas law is related to decompression sickness (DCS)?

The connection between decompression sickness (DCS) and Henry's Law is founded on the principles of gas solubility under varying pressure conditions. Henry’s Law states that the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid. In the context of DCS, this means that as a diver ascends from depth, the pressure decreases and the gases dissolved in their blood and tissues (primarily nitrogen) come out of solution.

When a diver is at depths, high pressure allows a significant amount of nitrogen to dissolve in body tissues. If the diver ascends too rapidly, the drop in pressure can lead to the nitrogen forming bubbles. This can result in various symptoms associated with DCS, such as joint pain, dizziness, and in severe cases, even paralysis or death. The critical takeaway is that understanding Henry's Law helps in recognizing the risks of gas solubility and release during rapid ascension, which underpins the physiological basis for decompression sickness.