Health Hazard Evaluation Determination Report No. HE 80-4-706, Small Animal Surgery Department, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama

摘要

An environmental survey was conducted on December 3 and 4, 1979 at the Small Animal Surgery Department of Auburn University (SIC-8922) in Auburn, Alabama. The department head and the campus safety engineer requested the evaluation to determine health hazards from exposure to anesthetic gases. Area and personal breathing zone samples were collected to measure concentrations of nitrous oxide (10024972), and halothane (151677). Personal breathing zone samples in the client surgery area indicated exposure concentrations of 2.56 parts per million (ppm) methoxyflurane and 0.133 ppm halothane. In the student surgery laboratory area and personal breathing zone concentrations of methoxyflurane were 1.36 and 2.12 ppm, respectively. In the client surgery area nitrous oxide exposure exceeded 150 ppm for surgeons and ranged from 30 to 80 ppm for other personnel. The recommended exposure standard is 2 ppm for halogenated anesthetic agents and 25 ppm for nitrous oxides. The authors conclude that an exposure hazard existed to the anesthetic gases. They recommend that scavenging equipment be employed, low leakage work techniques be taught, preventive maintenance practices be used, and leak testing be conducted regularly.