Which statement correctly describes age-related risk of decompression sickness (DCS)?

Which statement correctly describes age-related risk of decompression sickness (DCS)?

• A. Age under 40 increases the risk of DCS.
• B. Risk increases over 40 years old.
• C. Age has no effect on DCS risk.
• D. DCS risk is highest under 20.

Answer: (B)

Age-related changes in how the body handles inert gas affect DCS risk. As age increases, factors like reduced tissue perfusion, some decline in lung function, and other physiological changes can slow off-gassing during ascent. That means, for the same dive profile, an older person may form bubbles more readily than a younger person. These effects become more noticeable after around age 40, so risk tends to rise with age beyond that point. Smaller risk in younger divers and statements claiming no effect or that risk is highest under 20 don’t fit observed patterns. Therefore, saying the risk increases over 40 years old best describes age-related DCS risk.

Age-related changes in how the body handles inert gas affect DCS risk. As age increases, factors like reduced tissue perfusion, some decline in lung function, and other physiological changes can slow off-gassing during ascent. That means, for the same dive profile, an older person may form bubbles more readily than a younger person. These effects become more noticeable after around age 40, so risk tends to rise with age beyond that point. Smaller risk in younger divers and statements claiming no effect or that risk is highest under 20 don’t fit observed patterns. Therefore, saying the risk increases over 40 years old best describes age-related DCS risk.