What pressures can a human survive in?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on human survival under varying pressure conditions, specifically referencing Earth's surface pressure of 101.325 kilopascals (kPa). It highlights that while the record for diving is approximately 500 meters, equating to 50 atmospheres or 5 megapascals (MPa), the critical factor is not just pressure but the chemical effects of gases at high pressures. Oxygen becomes toxic at pressures above 3 atmospheres, while survival is possible in a pure oxygen environment at around 16 kilopascals (kPa).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of atmospheric pressure and its measurement in kilopascals (kPa).
  • Knowledge of gas toxicity, particularly regarding oxygen at high pressures.
  • Familiarity with diving physics and the implications of pressure on human physiology.
  • Basic concepts of partial pressure and its effects on breathing gases.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physiological effects of high-pressure environments on the human body.
  • Learn about the toxicity levels of oxygen and other gases at varying pressures.
  • Explore the principles of diving physics, including Boyle's Law and its applications.
  • Investigate safety measures and protocols for deep-sea diving and high-pressure environments.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for divers, medical professionals, and researchers interested in human physiology under pressure, as well as safety personnel involved in high-pressure environments.

zeromodz
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I know that Earth has a surface pressure of 101.325 kilopascals. So right now we are all under this pressure, but what types of pressures will we start to die at? high and low pressures in pascals please. Thanks.
 
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Record for diving is about 500m, or 50 atmospheres = 5MPa
The limit isn't the pressure as such, the pressure inside is the same as outside - it's the chemical effects of gases at very high pressures, oxygen for example is toxic above about 3atm.

Oxygen is about 21% of air, and you can live with about 16% oxygen, so you would be able to survive a pure oxygen environment at 0.16atm or around 16KPa.
 

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