Safety is in the air – New Awareness Campaign from DAN Asia-Pacific If it wasn't for scuba cylinders and surface-supply apparatus that give us the possibility to breathe underwater, we wouldn't be able to explore the underwater world. However, we also need to be vigilant that the gas we breathe is safe as there are various kinds of contaminations that can turn your underwater life support into poison.

After the relatively recent death of a scuba diver, it was found the level of Carbon Monoxide (CO) in his tank was over 450 times the accepted limit. He had filled his tank from a compressor which had, allegedly, not been properly maintained or regularly tested. As a result, the air being supplied was found to be very high in Carbon Monoxide (CO) levels.

This has prompted DAN AP to launch a long-contemplated and awareness campaign in an effort to prevent a repeat of this incident.

Many divers only think about air problems from the perspective of running low or managing an out of air emergency, so DAN AP will work to create awareness for this very real issue. Contaminated gas can lead to perception changes and subsequent poor decisions, headaches, dizziness, nausea and, in extreme cases; it may cause unconsciousness and even death. Unconsciousness from CO poisoning often occurs during or shortly after the ascent and can often lead to unless is rescued very quickly.

Over the coming months we will be sharing information that is focussed on prevention and aimed at equipping recreational and professional divers with:

• An understanding of the dangers of carbon monoxide and other contaminants • The ability to identify the symptoms associated with CO poisoning • and Treatment; and • Knowledge on how to reduce the risk of poisoning.

The main goal of the campaign is to prevent people from diving with contaminated in the first place. We encourage you to share the information so we reach as many divers as possible.

Join the campaign via DAN AP’s Facebook (search DAN Asia Pacific), Twitter (@DAN_APAC), Blog (DANInsider.org), and access resources via the Diving Safety section of the DAN AP website (danap.org). Let’s work together to ensure the air we all breathe when diving is safe.

Note: Safety campaigns are financed by DAN membership dues. Thank you to our members for their invaluable support.

Safe Diving. The DAN Asia-Pacific Team