Analgesic use of nitrous oxide (N2O) in nontraditional settings requires safe and effective scavenging systems to rid the work area of hazardous waste gas. Significant health risks to health care workers are associated with repetitive exposure to excessive levels of N2O. Regulations limit the exposure level to 25 parts per million and also require the use of effective scavenging systems. We tested the existing room ventilation and a suction-powered scavenging system in our burn unit's hydrotherapy room and found them to be inadequate in maintaining safe room air levels. We therefore developed a fan-powered scavenging system using a ceiling-mounted hood, under which N2O is administered, and found it to maintain safe levels while requiring little patient cooperation and allowing complete access to the patient. (Respir Care 1986;31:1092-1095.)
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Price HL. General Anesthetics. In: Goodman LS, Gilman A, eds. The pharmacological basis of therapeutics 5th edition. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co Inc, 1975:81–83.
2.
Cohen EN, Brown BW, Bruce DL, et al. Occupational disease among operating room personnel—A national study. Anesthesiology1974;41:321–340.
3.
Cohen EN, Brown BW, Bruce DL, et al. A survey of anesthestic health hazards among dentists. J Am Dent Assoc1975;90:1291–1296.
4.
U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Public Health Service, Center for Disease Control, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Criteria for a recommended standard occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases and vapors. Publication No. 77-140, March 1977.
5.
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals. AMH/86 accreditation manual for hospitals. Library of Congress catalogue card number 85-81250.
