An Oxygen Toxicity Computer.
Abstract
Clinical and operational use of hyperbaric oxygen is currently limited by fixed exposure values published in the U. S. Navy Diving Manual. These published limits do not take into consideration the prior exposure history of an individual, do not allow for fluctuating oxygen partial pressures, and do not provide the operational personnel the flexibility that is physiologically possible. This investigative effort was undertaken to explore the feasibility of developing an oxygen exposure computer for tracking an individual's hyperbaric oxygen exposure and estimating the toxicity risk at any point in time. A survey of the literature was performed to locate experimental data on time limits for human exposures to various oxygen partial pressures. Animal experiments were performed to evaluate a time weighted average metric for quantifying oxygen exposure. Finally mathematical algorithms were developed for estimating human oxygen toxicity risk based upon the best information presently available. The development of an oxygen exposure computer seems to be very feasible and desirable for extending operational flexibility. Critical elements needed in this development are: improved human data on oxygen exposure limits and validation of the time weighted average as a metric for evaluating human oxygen exposure history.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA100127
Entities
People
- F. R. Borkat
- T. E. Berghage
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center