The Evaluation of a Valveless Disposable Respirator for Use as Respiratory Protection against Exposure to Halothane (2-Bromo-2-Chloro-1,1,1-Trifluoroethane).
Abstract
Health professionals are concerned about the health hazards associated with exposure to waste anesthetic gases and vapors. The concern has grown since some epidemiological, human, and animal studies have suggested that such exposure results in a variety of anomalies among operating room personnel. The concentration of waste anesthetic gases and vapors in the operating room has greatly decreased through the use of scavenging equipment. However, it is unlikely that a zero waste anesthetic agent concentration will be attained through this method. Since the existance of a truly 'safe' exposure level has not been conclusively proven, it is desirable to provide the operating room personnel with additional protection, i.e., personal protective equipment, to reduce exposure to halogenated anesthetic agents. Activated charcoal has been shown to adsorb halogenated anesthetic agents. However, organic vapor respirators are normally bulky and would not be accepted for use by a surgeon or other operating room personnel. The Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company (3M) has marketed a disposable respirator called the 3M Spray Paint Respirator 8711. The respirator has the external configuration of a surgical mask. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA101626
Entities
People
- Glenn Laurence Gaudet
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology