Narcotic Influences of Nitrogen 



General behavior and psychomotor studies showed an early influence of the 

 narcotic atmosphere. However, by compensation, the subjects were easily able 

 to sustain an alert and aggressive technical performance in their roles as 

 subjects and assistant investigators. Quantitative measurement of the sub- 

 jects' intellectual capabilities showed no gross difference from their high 

 capability prior to pressurization. 



Influences of Ambient Pressure on Blood Cells , 

 Body Fluid Volumes, and Blood Chemistry 



Changes observed in the blood were largely related to shifts of fluid and not 

 considered to be of toxicological or other pathological importance. 



Detailed results related to lung function, CO2 sensitivity, arterial blood 

 gases and acid-base changes are shown in Tables 1, 2, and 3 respectively. 



SUMMARY 



There appear to be no gross performance-limiting influences of the increased 

 atmospheric density, pressure, and nitrogen partial pressure. The primary 

 cautions are as follows: 



The narcotic influence of nitrogen is expressed to different degrees in 

 different individuals. The highly motivated, skilled, and intelligent subjects 

 used in the laboratory study had, for physical, mental and physiological func- 

 tions, such reserve and compensatory ability that their performance was superior 

 even in the narcotic atmosphere. Other individuals are obviously more affected 

 and would be endangered by exposure to severe physical stress in diving or by 

 a requirement for use of fine judgment or a high order of technical skill. The 

 dangers for such individuals would lie largely in work in the water outside 

 the habitat. 



IX-31 



