A Survey of Waste Anesthetic Gas Levels in Selected USAF Veterinary Surgeries.
Abstract
Veterinarians and their assistants should consider the potential environmental hazards of chronic exposure to gaseous anesthetics. In humans, epidemiologic surveys have circumstantially shown adverse health effects following exposure to anesthetic gases. These effects include abortion, congential abnormalities, hepatic and renal diseases, CNS disturbances, increased risk of cancer and decreased fertility. In animals, similar effects due to occupational exposure levels of halothane and nitrous oxide have been experimentally established. Previous investigations regarding this personal and personnel health hazard have all concerned medical and dental personnel. There are no documented reports of the potential hazard to veterinary personnel. Therefore, the present survey was conducted to determine the exposure levels of halothane and nitrous oxide in selected USAF veterinary surgeries. In this survey, 11 of 35 halothane samples and 15 of 20 nitrous oxide samples exceeded the maximum exposure levels recommended by NIOSH for those compounds. A potential hazard to the health of personnel working in USAF veterinary surgeries exists. A complete waste anesthetic gas management program and a periodic monitoring program should be maintained. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA081092
Entities
People
- James L. Sablan
- Joseph E. Milligan