In explosive decompression, there are a number of effects happening
simultaneously.

Assuming you are in a vehicle, capsule, or suit:
The air will immediately cloud as the vapor pressure drops and gaseous water
condenses. This will allow you to actually see the air flowing out through
the hole. As the pressure continues to drop, ice crystals will form.

The hair on your body will lift and ripple as the air molecules are drawn
off.

Your torso will swell as the air entrapped in your lungs expands in response
to the reduced external pressure.

Dissolved gases in your blood and organs will begin to produce bubbles,
similar to what occurs when a scuba diver comes up too fast. Heart rate
increases. Brain embolism likely. Cardiac failure.

Death is by asphyxiation, but it's painful.

You do not explode.

Bob




-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kathy Kuhlow
Sent: Friday, May 20, 2005 9:34 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] NTC: Hot debate

Ok, we have differing opinions on the affects on the human body in deep
space. It started over a scene in the new Star Wars movie, in the movie a
character that has human organs is sent unprotected into deep space. The
debate is over what the affects of deep space is on the human body. One side
supports the idea that in a gravity free environment the human body would be
depleted of oxygen and death would come from asphyxiation while the other
side states that the blood would boil and the human organs would explode. As
so, the Star Wars movie in this scene is inaccurate.

Does anyone know which side is correct?

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