Diving in hazardous and polluted waters

Diving units today are concerned with factors other than just blowing bubbles. Among potential diver hazards, the consequences of exposure to water-borne contaminants are of particular concern. Direct skin contact with certain pollutants is obviously serious business, yet more insidious dangers may result from exposure to pathogens during normal respiration, depending on the equipment worn. Standard SCUBA gear is NOT adequate protection. For several years, the NOAA Diving Program has coordinated research and development to confront diver exposure to waters containing hazardous substances. The magnitude of this problem is significant, and exposure pathways are varied. NOAA's evolution of protective diving equipment and operational guidelines provide a basis for further education and development.