DaveC426913 said:Yes. I never knew this until I read that Wiki article just now. The story I've always known was a simplification of the facts - no mention that it was a test, and no mention that they overpressured it.
The maximum air pressure that the human body can withstand is around 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi), which is equivalent to the air pressure at sea level. This is because our bodies are adapted to the air pressure at sea level and any significant increase can cause serious health issues.
Yes, a human can survive in low air pressure environments for a short period of time. For example, astronauts can survive in the low air pressure environment of space for a limited time with the help of a spacesuit and oxygen supply. However, prolonged exposure to low air pressure can lead to serious health problems such as decompression sickness.
In high air pressure environments, the body experiences an increase in external pressure. This can cause the body's tissues to compress, which can lead to discomfort and pain. In extreme cases, it can also lead to tissue damage and even death.
Yes, there is a limit to how much air pressure the human body can handle. As mentioned earlier, the maximum air pressure that the body can withstand is around 14.7 psi. Any significant increase in air pressure can cause serious health issues and can be fatal.
During scuba diving, the body is exposed to increasing air pressure as the diver descends deeper into the water. This can cause the air spaces in the body, such as the lungs and ears, to compress. To prevent any damage, divers need to equalize the pressure in their body by clearing their ears and using specialized equipment, such as a regulator, to breathe compressed air.