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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
The accumulation of anesthetic gas residues in surgery units can pose health risks to
healthcare professionals, highlighting the need to establish effective protection measures. This study
evaluated waste anesthetic gas levels in a local health unit in northern Portugal to identify highexposure
areas during surgeries using general anesthesia. Measurements of desflurane, sevoflurane,
carbon dioxide, air temperature, and relative humidity were taken during 20 surgeries carried out
over approximately six months. The results showed that the thermal conditions were not adequately
controlled, particularly the relative humidity levels. The detectedWAG concentrations fluctuated
across different locations, with concerning peaks being detected in specific settings. Desflurane levels
reached 8.79 ppm in the general surgery room (GSR) and averaged 3.13 ppm in the recovery room
(RR), while the sevoflurane levels averaged 2.06 ppm in the RR. High concentrations exceeding the
recommendations of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) were
notably observed after endotracheal tube removal. In short surgeries, anesthetic gas levels exceeded
safety limits, while long surgeries caused peaks in sevoflurane levels. Longer surgeries and higher
occupancy were significantly linked to increased levels of WAG and carbon dioxide, emphasizing the
need to improve ventilation and environmental controls to safeguard healthcare professionals.
Description
Keywords
Indoor air Sevoflurane Desflurane Occupational safety General anesthesia Circular anesthesia system
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Leal, Leiddi; Yamanaka, Vanessa; Pereira, Ermelinda; Theodoro, Joseane; Domingues, Maria de Fátima; Fernandes, Isabel; Gabriel, Marta Fonseca; Feliciano, Manuel (2024). Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases Throughout Surgical Interventions: A Case Study in a Portuguese Local Health Unit. Atmosphere. ISSN 2073-4433. 15:12, p. 1-19
Publisher
MDPI