What can occur as a result of excessive nitrogen exposure on ascent?

Excessive nitrogen exposure during diving can lead to decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." This condition occurs when a diver ascends too quickly after spending time at depths where the pressure is significantly higher. At these depths, nitrogen becomes more soluble in the body tissues and blood due to the increased pressure. When the diver ascends, the pressure decreases, and if the ascent is too rapid, the nitrogen that was absorbed by the tissues forms bubbles in the body.

These nitrogen bubbles can cause various symptoms, from joint pain and dizziness to more severe neurological issues, depending on where the bubbles form and how they affect the body. Therefore, proper ascent rates and adherence to decompression protocols are critical in preventing decompression sickness after exposure to heightened levels of nitrogen at depth.