International journal of hygiene and environmental health
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Int J Hyg Environ Health · Mar 2007
Multicenter StudyOccupational exposure to nitrous oxide - the role of scavenging and ventilation systems in reducing the exposure level in operating rooms.
The aim of this study was to assess the level of occupational exposure to nitrous oxide (N(2)O) in operating rooms (ORs), as related to different ventilation and scavenging systems used to remove waste anaesthetic gases from the work environment. ⋯ Air conditioning and an efficient pressure/exhaust ventilation (above 12 air exchanges/h) together with efficient active scavenging systems are sufficient to sustain N(2)O exposure in ORs at levels below or within the OEL value of 180mg/m(3).