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Inhalation anaesthetics--exposure and control during veterinary surgery
R J Gardner1, J Hampton, J S Causton
1Health and Safety Executive Technology Division, Bootle, Merseyside, U.K.
The Annals of Occupational Hygiene
|August 1, 1991
Summary
Air sampling in veterinary surgeries revealed significant exposure to halothane and nitrous oxide. Practice size and anesthetic scavenging systems, not general ventilation, impacted worker exposure levels.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Monitoring
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Anesthetic gases pose risks in veterinary settings.
- Previous studies have assessed exposure, but comprehensive data from diverse practices is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify worker exposure to halothane and nitrous oxide in veterinary surgeries.
- To identify factors influencing anesthetic gas exposure.
Main Methods:
- Air sampling surveys conducted in 14 veterinary surgeries.
- Measurement of geometric mean (GM) time-weighted average (TWA) exposures for halothane and nitrous oxide.
- Analysis of factors including practice size, scavenging use, and general ventilation.
Main Results:
- GM TWAs over the working period were 2.6 ppm for halothane and 100 ppm for nitrous oxide.
- GM 8-h TWAs were lower: 1.3 ppm for halothane and 34 ppm for nitrous oxide.
- Practice size and anesthetic scavenging significantly affected exposure; general ventilation had minimal impact.
Conclusions:
- Veterinary personnel face notable exposure to anesthetic gases.
- Anesthetic scavenging systems are crucial for reducing exposure.
- Further research into effective exposure mitigation strategies is warranted.