Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 10, 2025
04:56
In Vitro Method to Control Concentrations of Halogenated Gases in Cultured Alveolar Epithelial Cells
Published on: October 23, 2018
6.8K
Inhaled Anesthetics: Environmental Role, Occupational Risk, and Clinical Use
Mariana Gaya da Costa1, Alain F Kalmar2,3, Michel M R F Struys1,3
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, 9713GZ Groningen, The Netherlands.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|April 3, 2021
Summary
Inhaled anesthetics, while common, are potent greenhouse gases (GHG) contributing to climate change. Reducing their use, particularly nitrous oxide and desflurane, is crucial for environmental responsibility in healthcare.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Anesthesiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Inhaled anesthetics have been used for over 150 years.
- Their indispensable role in general anesthesia is now questioned due to environmental and occupational risks.
- Inhaled anesthetics are potent greenhouse gases (GHG).
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the environmental impact of inhaled anesthetics.
- To emphasize the need for evaluating their clinical use.
- To advocate for reduced GHG emissions within the healthcare sector.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific evidence on inhaled anesthetics and climate change.
- Analysis of potential strategies for reducing GHG emissions in anesthesia.
- Discussion of occupational risks associated with anesthetic gases.
Main Results:
- Inhaled anesthetics are significant contributors to GHG emissions.
- Control measures for these emissions are implemented slowly.
- The health sector has a responsibility to reduce its environmental footprint.
Conclusions:
- Avoidance of nitrous oxide (N2O) and desflurane is recommended.
- Consideration of total intravenous or regional anesthesia techniques is advised.
- Development of new technologies for minimizing volatile anesthetic use and managing waste gas is essential.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
662
Inhalation anesthetics are drugs that induce general anesthesia upon inhalation. They work by increasing the sensitivity of GABAA receptors or inhibiting NMDA receptors, leading to a decrease in central nervous system activity. The depth of anesthesia can be rapidly adjusted by changing the concentration of the inhaled gas. Some common examples of inhalational anesthetics include volatile liquids like isoflurane, desflurane, sevoflurane and gases like xenon and nitrous oxide. Isoflurane, a...
662
01:24Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
394
Intravenous anesthetics are drugs administered parenterally to induce anesthesia or sedation. Propofol is a widely used agent formulated as a 1% emulsion in soybean oil, glycerol, and egg phosphatide. It induces rapid anesthesia primarily due to its rapid distribution from the bloodstream to target tissues and is metabolized in the liver. However, it can cause significant pain on injection and hypertriglyceridemia. Fospropofol, a water-based prodrug of propofol, lacks these adverse effects.
394
01:22Stages of General Anesthesia
1.0K
Various sedation levels offer significant advantages in facilitating procedural interventions for patients undergoing medical or invasive surgical procedures. These levels span from anxiolysis to general anesthesia, providing a spectrum of sedative effects to cater to specific patient needs. Anxiolysis reduces anxiety and is achieved through minimal sedation, enabling patients to remain awake and responsive while feeling more at ease during the procedure. This level can benefit minor...
1.0K
01:23Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
671
Local anesthetics (LAs) are commonly used for various applications in medical and dental procedures. Some of the common agents used are cocaine, lidocaine, and bupivacaine.
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
671
01:29Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
573
Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
573
01:24General Anesthesia: Overview
376
Anesthesia is a medical procedure that uses drugs for CNS suppression to enable painless surgeries and procedures. The selection of anesthetics is influenced by their pharmacokinetic properties, side effects, and patient characteristics. Various types of anesthesia include general, local, regional, spinal, and inhalational.
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
General anesthesia induces unconsciousness in the whole body, while the others target specific areas or sensations. It is administered to minimize adverse effects, maintain...
376