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General anaesthesia and the environment | JoVE Visualize

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Engineering

General anaesthesia and the environment

B O'Hare¹, G J Fitzpatrick

¹Department of Anaesthesia and Critical Care, Meath Hospital, Dublin.

Irish Medical Journal|September 1, 1994

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View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Anaesthetic agents like halothane and isoflurane pose minimal atmospheric risks. However, nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas and contributes to ozone depletion, warranting concern for its continued extensive use.

Area of Science:

Environmental Science
Anesthesiology
Atmospheric Chemistry

Background:

Anaesthetic agents are widely used in medical settings.
Previous research focused on theatre pollution, not environmental impact.
The environmental effects of anaesthetic agents require thorough investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the environmental effects of anaesthetic agents.
To assess the atmospheric impact of volatile anaesthetics and nitrous oxide.

Main Methods:

Literature review of environmental effects of anaesthetic agents.
Analysis of atmospheric polluting potential of common anaesthetics.

Main Results:

Volatile anaesthetic agents (halothane, isoflurane, enflurane) show minimal atmospheric pollution potential.
Nitrous oxide is identified as a greenhouse gas.
Nitrous oxide can indirectly contribute to ozone layer depletion.

Conclusions:

The environmental impact of anaesthetic agents is a critical consideration.
Continued extensive use of nitrous oxide raises environmental concerns due to its greenhouse gas properties and ozone depletion potential.

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General Anaesthesia And The Environment