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Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases Throughout Surgical Interventions: A Case Study in a Portuguese Local Health Unit

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Resumo:The accumulation of anesthetic gas residues in surgery units can pose health risks to healthcare professionals, highlighting the need to establish effective protection measures. This study evaluated waste anesthetic gas levels in a local health unit in northern Portugal to identify highexposure areas during surgeries using general anesthesia. Measurements of desflurane, sevoflurane, carbon dioxide, air temperature, and relative humidity were taken during 20 surgeries carried out over approximately six months. The results showed that the thermal conditions were not adequately controlled, particularly the relative humidity levels. The detectedWAG concentrations fluctuated across different locations, with concerning peaks being detected in specific settings. Desflurane levels reached 8.79 ppm in the general surgery room (GSR) and averaged 3.13 ppm in the recovery room (RR), while the sevoflurane levels averaged 2.06 ppm in the RR. High concentrations exceeding the recommendations of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) were notably observed after endotracheal tube removal. In short surgeries, anesthetic gas levels exceeded safety limits, while long surgeries caused peaks in sevoflurane levels. Longer surgeries and higher occupancy were significantly linked to increased levels of WAG and carbon dioxide, emphasizing the need to improve ventilation and environmental controls to safeguard healthcare professionals.
Autores principais:Leal, Leiddi Laura Maria
Outros Autores:Yamanaka, Vanessa Yukie; Pereira, Ermelinda; Theodoro, Joseane; Domingues, Maria de Fátima; Fernandes, Isabel; Gabriel, Marta Fonseca; Feliciano, Manuel
Assunto:Indoor air Sevoflurane Desflurane Occupational safety General anesthesia Circular anesthesia system
Ano:2024
País:Portugal
Tipo de documento:artigo
Tipo de acesso:acesso aberto
Instituição associada:Instituto Politécnico de Bragança
Idioma:inglês
Origem:Biblioteca Digital do IPB
Descrição
Resumo:The accumulation of anesthetic gas residues in surgery units can pose health risks to healthcare professionals, highlighting the need to establish effective protection measures. This study evaluated waste anesthetic gas levels in a local health unit in northern Portugal to identify highexposure areas during surgeries using general anesthesia. Measurements of desflurane, sevoflurane, carbon dioxide, air temperature, and relative humidity were taken during 20 surgeries carried out over approximately six months. The results showed that the thermal conditions were not adequately controlled, particularly the relative humidity levels. The detectedWAG concentrations fluctuated across different locations, with concerning peaks being detected in specific settings. Desflurane levels reached 8.79 ppm in the general surgery room (GSR) and averaged 3.13 ppm in the recovery room (RR), while the sevoflurane levels averaged 2.06 ppm in the RR. High concentrations exceeding the recommendations of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) were notably observed after endotracheal tube removal. In short surgeries, anesthetic gas levels exceeded safety limits, while long surgeries caused peaks in sevoflurane levels. Longer surgeries and higher occupancy were significantly linked to increased levels of WAG and carbon dioxide, emphasizing the need to improve ventilation and environmental controls to safeguard healthcare professionals.

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