[Occupational exposure of the anesthesiologist to nitrous oxide and halothane. Control measures]

Anesthetic gas spillage does occur in the operating room. Anesthesiologists and other operating room personnel are likely exposed to health hazards caused by chronic exposure to anesthetic gases and vapours. The aim of the present study is to elucidate the possible relationship between the chronic exposure to anesthetic gases and their adverse effects on the health. Present data, while controversial, do not establish a cause-effect relationship. Nevertheless, until solid data refutes the existence of a health hazard for operating room personnel, the anesthesiologist must try to reduce the anesthetic contamination level, with preventive and technical measures.