Occupational Exposure of Veterinarians to Waste Anesthetic Gases
Abstract
An evaluation of anesthetic waste gas exposures was conducted in small private practice animal clinics through-out the Salt Lake Valley. The two most frequently used anesthetic gases, methoxyflurane and halothane, were chosen to be studied. Veterinarian breathing zones were sampled on a real time basis with a Wilks Miran. Several back to back surgeries were also monitored to determine the potential for gas build-up in the operating rooms. A leak test was performed on each piece of anesthesia equipment. The halothane concentrations were higher than the methoxyflurane concentrations because of the out of circuit vaporizer design which requires higher oxygen flowrates. During back to back surgeries a gradual build-up of anesthetic gas was found in the surgical rooms even with the use of scavenging equipment. The use of a ceiling exhaust fan resulted in a 38 fold reduction in the exposure concentration. It appears that dilution air can provide effective control even for nonscavenged and poorly maintained anesthesia machines.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 07, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA185245
Entities
People
- David L. Potts
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology