title: Scavenging of dental anesthetic gases.
abstract: Results of recent surveys suggest that there are significant health hazards involved with chronic exposure to waste anesthetic gases. While results of these surveys were significant, they did not prove a cause-effect relationship. Considerable evidence in experimental animals suggests such a relationship; it is reasonable to assume that this applies to the clinical situation. An anesthetic technique that uses a circle-system absorber with a scavenging trap and non-recirculating exhaust duct has been described. This system was combined with use of a closed-cell rubber sponge for an oropharyngeal pack that was impermeable to air or anesthetic gases. In addition, a tight-fitting nasal mask or sealed nasopharyngeal tube was used. Ventilation of room air also was improved. These changes produced a 93.3% reduction in halothane and 91.2% reduction in nitrous oxide in the dental operating room.
mesh_terms: D000397:Air Pollution / Q000032:analysis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000032:analysis; D003770:Dental Offices; D014691:Ventilation
chemical_list: D000777:Anesthetics