title: [Anesthetics vapors and gases and health hazards: results of an environmental survey].
abstract: The occupational exposure to nitrous oxide and other anaesthetic agents in two hospitals was measured with personal samplers. The highest concentration of nitrous oxide was found in the orthopaedic theatre (2932 ppm), but in other operating theatres the values were not less than 200 ppm. Both the average volume of anaesthetic gases and vapours used per patient and per room and lack of appreciable active ventilation may affect the exposure of staff, potentially at risk from excessive occupational exposure to anaesthetic agents. These observations suggest that adequate health and safety programmes should be established in occupational health care.
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D000777:Anesthetics / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000032:analysis; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D009873:Operating Rooms
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D000777:Anesthetics; D009609:Nitrous Oxide
vernacular_title: Vapori e gas anestetici e rischio per la salute: risultati di un'indagine ambientale.