The Effects of Scavenging on Waste Methoxyflurane Concentrations in Veterinary Operating Room Air
Abstract
Veterinarians, their assistants, and animal researchers should consider the potential health hazards of chronic exposure to the inhalational anesthetic, methoxyflurane. The high fat-solubility of methoxyflurane results in the availability of a depot of drug for prolonged postexposure biotransformation and possible long-term susceptibility to the toxic effects of its metabolites. The adverse human health effects following chronic exposure to methoxyflurane may include nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, teratogenesis, and carcinogenesis. The exposure level of medical personnel to methoxyflurane in operating room air is well documented. There are, however, few reports of the potential hazard to veterinary personnel. The present study was conducted to determine the exposure levels to methoxyflurane in a veterinary surgery. Real-time analyses were obtained utilizing infrared spectrophotometry. Measurements were made both during scavenging and not scavenging of the waste anesthetic gas. The mean level of methoxyflurane during scavenging was significantly different from the mean during not scavenging. Furthermore, the 95 percent upper confidence limit for the scavenged mean was within the two parts per million standard for methoxyflurane recommended by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The 95 percent upper confidence limit for the not scavenged mean was well above that standard. Protection of veterinary personnel and animal researchers from chronic exposure to methoxyflurane vapors, therefore, seems advisable and achievable. Complete waste anesthetic gas management and periodic monitoring programs should be established to protect personnel involved.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA095572
Entities
People
- J. E. Milligan
- J. F. Croy
- J. L. Sablan