lew (11/19/82)
The question of the human body's ability to withstand low pressures has intrigued me for a long time. I have heard of the 100% O2 environment and wondered what absolute pressure is maintained. I haven't seen an answer to this yet. Is it as low as the partial pressure of oxygen at sea level ( 3+ psi )? This would surprise me, but I can't think of any fundamental reason ruling it out. I do see a big problem though, in exposing yourself to pressures below the vapor pressure of water - about 2 psi at 37c. It seems to me that you would just explode, or at least get an instant case of the bends that would be a hundred times worse than any diver ever got. I know Arthur Clarke has a pet theory that you could survive by holding your breath, but I am extremely doubtful. Note that the ability to withstand large overpressures has no bearing on this question. Who has the straight poop? Lew Mammel, Jr. ihuxr!lew