title: Evaluation of exposure to isoflurane (Forane): environmental and biological measurements in operating room personnel.
abstract: The concentration of isoflurane (Forane) in the ambient atmosphere was determined in 11 operating theaters of 5 hospitals in Italy. The concentration of isoflurane in the ambient air exceeds the recommended time-weighted average exposure levels (median value: 113 mumol/m3). Isoflurane was detected in the urine of 45 exposed subjects (anesthetists, surgeons, and nurses). A significant correlation was found between the isoflurane concentration in urine produced during the shift (Cu' nmol/l) and isoflurane environmental concentration (Cl' mumol/m3) (Cu = 0.243 X Cl + 3.712) (r = .90). The results show that the urinary isoflurane concentration can be used as an appropriate biological exposure index. The authors suggest a biological exposure index of 18 nmol/l (3.4 micrograms/l). This is the biological value obtained after 4 h of an average environmental exposure to 81 mumol/m3 (2 ppm).
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Medicina Preventiva, Occupazionale e di Comunità dell'Università di Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Imbriani
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ghittori
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pezzagno
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Capodaglio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000776:Anesthesiology; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007530:Isoflurane / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000652:urine*; D008297:Male; D008452:Maximum Allowable Concentration; D009871:Operating Room Nursing; D009873:Operating Rooms
chemical_list: D007530:Isoflurane