[Pollution of operating rooms with volatile and gas anesthetics. Methods of prevention]

Gaseous anaesthetic pollution in operating theatres has been known since as far back as 1924. Following Vaisman and Cohen's epidemiology studies, health organizations have been involved in this professional concern. Halogenated vapours and nitrous oxide anaesthetic pollution have been accused of doubling the abortion rate and of moderately increasing the number of congenital abnormalities in the offsprings of anaesthetists. The liver and nervous system are also likely targets for anaesthetic pollution. Animal or cell culture experimental studies concerning pathological consequences of exposure to nitrous oxide or halogenated vapours give conflicting results and are not conclusive. The pollution rate is measured by chromatography and spectrophotometry. 25 ppm nitrous oxide and 2 ppm halothane are the upper limits allowed for air contamination. Total intravenous anaesthesia, closed circuits, draining away expired gases can prevent such pollution, but these techniques do have drawbacks. Pollution prevention is rather simple, moderately expensive and comforting for operating room staff.