Measurement of anesthetic pollution in veterinary operating rooms for small animals: Isoflurane pollution in a university veterinary hospital
Mensuração da poluição anestésica em salas cirúrgicas veterinárias de pequenos animais
Drielle B.S. Figueiredo, Aline G. Aun, Juliana R. Lara, Natache A. Garofalo, Francisco José Teixeira Neto, Leandro G. Braz, Mariana G. Braz
Abstract
Introduction
Inhaled anesthetics are used worldwide for anesthesia maintenance both in human and veterinary operating rooms. High concentrations of anesthetic gas residues can lead to health risks for the professionals exposed. Considering that anesthetic pollution in a veterinary surgical center in developing countries is unknown, this study aimed, for the first time, to measure the residual concentration of isoflurane in the air of operating rooms for small animals in a Brazilian university hospital.
Method
Residual isoflurane concentrations were measured by an infrared analyzer at the following sites: corner opposite to anesthesia machine; breathing zones of the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and patient (animal); and in front of the anesthesia machine at three time points, that is, 5, 30 and 120 minutes after anesthesia induction start time.
Results
Mean residual isoflurane concentrations gradually increased in the corner opposite to anesthesia machine and in the breathing zones of the surgeon and the anesthesiologist (p < 0.05). There was an increase at 30 minutes and 120 minutes when compared to the initial time points in the animal's breathing zone, and in the front of the anesthesia machine (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference at measurement sites regardless of the moment of assessment.
Conclusion
This study reported high residual isoflurane concentrations in veterinary operating rooms without an exhaust system, that exceeds the limit recommended by an international agency. Based on our findings, there is urgent need to implement exhaust systems to reduce anesthetic pollution and decrease occupational exposure.
Keywords
Resumo
Justificativa: Anestésicos inalatórios são amplamente utilizados mundialmente para manutenção anestésica tanto em centro cirúrgico humano quanto veterinário. Altas concentrações de resíduos de gases anestésicos podem levar a riscos à saúde nos profissionais expostos. Considerando que se desconhece a poluição anestésica em centro cirúrgico veterinário em país em desenvolvimento, este estudo teve como objetivo, de forma inédita, mensurar a concentração residual do isoflurano no ar ambiente de salas cirúrgicas de pequenos animais em hospital universitário brasileiro. Método: As concentrações residuais de isoflurano foram mensuradas por analisador infravermelho nos seguintes locais: canto oposto do equipamento de anestesia, nas zonas respiratórias do cirurgião, do anestesiologista e do paciente (animal), e na parte dianteira do equipamento de anestesia em três momentos ¯ aos 5, 30 e 120 minutos do início da indução anestésica. Resultados: Houve aumento progressivo das concentrações residuais médias de isoflurano no canto oposto ao equipamento de anestesia e nas zonas respiratórias do cirurgião e do anestesiologista (p < 0,05). Houve aumento aos 30 minutos e 120 minutos quando comparados aos momentos iniciais na zona respiratória do animal e na parte dianteira do equipamento de anestesia (p < 0,05). Não houve diferença significativa dos locais de mensuração independentemente do tempo avaliado. Conclusão: Este estudo mostrou elevadas concentrações residuais de isoflurano em salas cirúrgicas veterinárias sem sistema de exaustão, excedendo o limite recomendado por agência internacional. Diante desse panorama, urge a necessidade de implementação de sistemas de exaustão que reduzam a poluição anestésica com consequente redução da exposição ocupacional.
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References
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