Deep Dive: An Interview with Dr Hanna Van Waart

Deep Dive: An Interview with Dr Hanna Van Waart

From Deep Dive Into Water Safety by Kauaʻi Community Radio - KKCR

May 22, 2026 · 54 min · Season 1

About this episode

Dr. Hanna Van Waart discusses the safety concerns associated with full-face snorkel masks based on her recent research.

Episode Notes Research, CPSC Warning, and Manufacturer Responsibility Hanna Van Waart PhD Exercise Physiologist at the University of Aukland discussed full face mask safety, her research and manufacturer’s responsibility The research article, “Full-face snorkel masks increase the incidence of hypoxemia and hypercapnia during simulated snorkeling compared to conventional snorkels,” was published in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine in December 2023. The study was led by Janneke Grundemann, with coauthors Xavier C.E. Vrijdag, Nicole Y.E. Wong, Nicholas Gant, Simon J. Mitchell, and Hanna van Waart. Hanna van Waart is affiliated with the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Auckland. The research team examined whether full-face snorkel masks increase the risk of rebreathing, elevated carbon dioxide, and reduced oxygen levels compared with a conventional snorkel. In the controlled study, 20 healthy participants used two different full-face snorkel masks and a conventional snorkel under seated, light-exercise, and moderate-exercise conditions. The researchers found that full-face snorkel mask trials were stopped more often because end-tidal carbon dioxide exceeded the safety…

People in this episode

Guest: Hanna Van Waart

Topics covered

  • water safety
  • snorkeling
  • exercise physiology
  • research
  • health risks

Keywords

  • full-face snorkel masks
  • hypoxemia
  • hypercapnia
  • exercise
  • safety

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Auckland, CPSC, Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine

Books & works: Full-face snorkel masks increase the incidence of hypoxemia and hypercapnia during simulated snorkeling compared to conventional snorkels

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