Operating-room venting of trace concentrations of inhalation anesthetic agents

Operating-room personnel exposed over a long period to trace concentrations of anesthetic gases may acquire both organic disturbances and impairment of cerebral function, though this has not been proven. However, the dangers of miscalculations due to disturbances of cerebral function and the fact that all working personnel should be breathing unpolluted air are sufficient indications to make scavenging of anesthetic gases mandatory. Scavenging has been carried out in many hospitals. At Vancouver General Hospital venting of the gases has decreased the nitrous oxide pollution to what is considered an acceptable level.