Trace anesthetic exposure. Consequences and control

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Anesthesiology
• Environmental health

Background:

• Epidemiologic and animal studies suggest chronic exposure to anesthetic gases may be a health hazard.
• Potential risks include spontaneous abortion, congenital anomalies, and neoplasia in operating room personnel.
• Human data indicate impaired performance during exposure to anesthetic traces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential health hazards associated with chronic exposure to anesthetic gases.
• To highlight the need for further prospective studies to establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
• To recommend interim measures for mitigating risks.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing epidemiologic and animal studies.
• Analysis of human data on performance impairment.
• Discussion of planned prospective studies.

Main Results:

• Evidence suggests a link between anesthetic gas exposure and adverse health outcomes.
• Performance deficits observed in humans exposed to anesthetic traces.
• A prospective study by the American Society of Anesthesiologists is planned.

Conclusions:

• Chronic anesthetic gas exposure is a potential occupational hazard.
• Further research is required to confirm direct causal links.
• Interim recommendations include monitoring, improved ventilation, and use of scavengers.