Chemicals
Waste Anesthetic Gases
The anesthetic gases and vapors that leak into the surrounding room during medical procedures are considered waste anesthetic gases.
Healthcare professionals who work in hospitals, operating rooms, dental offices, and veterinary clinics, are potentially exposed to waste anesthetic gases and are at risk of occupational illness.
The waste anesthetic gases and vapors of concern are:
- nitrous oxide and halogenated agents (vapors) such as:
- halothane
- enflurane
- isoflurane
- desflurane
Exposure to these gases can occur through leakage of the patient's anesthetic breathing circuit during the delivery of anesthetic and through exhalations of patients recovering from anesthesia.
Some potential effects of exposure to waste anesthetic gases include the following:
- nausea
- dizziness
- headaches
- fatigue and irritability
- sterility
- miscarriages
- birth defects
- cancer
- liver and kidney disease
Employers and employees should be aware of the potential effects and be advised to take appropriate precautions.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
1-10. Which of the following is a potential health effect after exposure to anesthetic gases?
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