What condition can occur if divers do not ascend slowly or safely?

Decompression sickness is a condition that can occur when a diver ascends too quickly or does not follow safe ascent procedures after a dive. As divers go deeper underwater, the pressure increases, causing more nitrogen from the breathing gas to dissolve into their bodies. If a diver ascends rapidly, the pressure decreases quickly, leading to the formation of bubbles of nitrogen in the bloodstream and tissues. This can result in symptoms ranging from joint pain and dizziness to severe neurological and respiratory issues, depending on the severity of the condition.

By ascending slowly, divers allow their bodies to eliminate excess nitrogen safely through normal physiological processes, minimizing the risk of these bubbles forming. This makes slow ascent rates, along with safety stops, essential practices for reducing the risk of decompression sickness, ensuring a safer diving experience.