Design and evaluation of a nitrous oxide scavenging system for use in nontraditional hospital settings

Analgesic use of nitrous oxide (N2O) in nontraditional settings requires safe and effective scavenging systems to rid the work area of hazardous waste gas. Significant health risks to health care workers are associated with repetitive exposure to excessive levels of N2O. Regulations limit the exposure level to 25 parts per million and also require the use of effective scavenging systems. We tested the existing room ventilation and a suction-powered scavenging system in our burn unit's hydrotherapy room and found them to be inadequate in maintaining safe room air levels. We therefore developed a fan-powered scavenging system using a ceiling-mounted hood, under which N2O is administered, and found it to maintain safe levels while requiring little patient cooperation and allowing complete access to the patient.