Attitudes of anaesthetists and nurses to anaesthetic pollution

A survey was conducted to investigate the attitudes of anaesthetists and nurses to anaesthetic pollution. In order that the results could be viewed in context, attitudes to other possible occupational hazards, including radiation exposure and work-related stress, were also investigated. Four hundred (66%) completed questionnaires were returned. All the anaesthetists (n = 81) thought that their work involved some exposure to anaesthetic gases or vapours; however, 21 (7%) of the 319 nurses believed they were not exposed although they spent some time in operating theatres or recovery rooms. Fourteen per cent of anaesthetists and 24% of nurses were 'quite concerned' or 'very concerned' about possible effects of anaesthetic pollution on their health. Levels of concern were similar for radiation exposure; however, both occupational groups expressed higher levels of concern about work-related stress. Seventeen (21%) anaesthetists and 46 (14%) nurses reported having suffered adverse health effects which they thought were due to anaesthetic pollution. The most frequent complaints were headache and fatigue.