A review of the effects of trace concentrations of nitrous oxide on performance and related health problems in medical and dental personnel.
Nitrous oxide has been used as an anesthetic for 100 years by the health care profession. Until recently, it has been considered safe from the standpoint of the patient. There have been less physical impairments and anesthesia complications with this agent than others. However, evidence has been accumulating that long term exposure to trace amounts of nitrous oxide could have a detrimental effect on personnel administering the anesthetic or working in close proximity to it. Chronic exposure to nitrous oxide has been implicated in causing liver and kidney damage, spontaneous abortions and birth defects along with impairment of short-term memory, coordination and hearing among those exposed. The author briefly reviews some of the evidence that led to the NIOSH criteria document on the occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases and vapors.
D000776:Anesthesiology; D003813:Dentistry; D006801:Humans; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000592:standards*; D014481:United States