What causes nitrogen narcosis in scuba divers?

Answer 1

The simple answer is the partial pressure of nitrogen being breathed. The deeper a diver goes, the greater the partial pressure of nitrogen in the air being breathed due to the increased pressure from being deeper. There is also a debate as to whether oxygen contributes to narcosis. But for a more indepth answer ... I don't think anyone really knows why it happens and last I knew there were different theories out there. Perhaps some medical people can jump in here some.

Answer 2

It doesn't. Nitrogen narcosis is a nitrogen toxicity that happens only at depths of 100+ ft. Decompression Illness or "The Bends" is what happens when divers ascend too quickly.

Answer 3

Decompression sickness (the Bends)