An occupational health approach to anaesthetic air pollution

The principles of occupational health practice as applicable to operating theatre staff are stated. Operating theatre air was samples for halothane at three Sydney hospitals--one in which a scavenging system was in operation and two without such a system. A method giving time-weighted average concentrations over the period of sampling was used. Anaesthetic techniques varied for adults and children. The scavenging system was found to be highly efficient. Less than 0.1 ppm of halothane was found in the air of one theatre in which a flow rate of 4 litres per minute with 0.5% halothane and controlled ventilation were being used for routine anaesthetics in adults. In another theatre in which paediatric surgery was being performed, the anaesthetic technique utilized a flow rate of 6 litres per minute with 0.5% halothane and a T-piece, and the air was found to contain 0.8 ppm of halothane. Concentrations of up to 8 ppm were found in unscavenged theatres. Other possible occupational hazards of the environment, such as exposure to X-rays, viral infection and aerosol sprays, are mentioned. These may be significant.