A Protocol for a Prospective Study of Pregnancy Outcomes of Operating Room Nurses and Nurse Anesthetists Occupationally Exposed to Waste Anesthetic Gases as Compared to Psychiatric Nurses in the United States Air Force

摘要

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health published a criteria document in 1977 that cited numerous hazardous effects of occupational exposures to waste anesthetic gases, most consistently spontaneous abortion. These experts specifically addressed the need for further research in this area, identifying a prospective study in particular. This thesis establishes a methodology to link information from the automated personnel data base at the Air Force Military Personnel Center with the information contained in the medical records for those individuals under study. This linkage permits continuous surveillance of an exposed individual throughout the Air Force career and into their separation or retirement if necessary. The combined data create an epidemiological file for analysis to observe if Air Force nurses, like their civilian counterparts, are at greater risk of spontaneous abortion as a result of their occupational exposure to waste anesthetic gases. Perhaps eventually this system could be applied to all Air Force career fields exposed to hazardous substances. (Author)