Exposure to Gases

Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gasses

Waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) occur when insignificant amounts of anesthetic gases come either from a leak in a patient’s anesthetic breathing circuit into the OR room or are exhaled from a patient during the emergence or recovery phases. These gases can provide an occupational health risk to perioperative staff.

Long-term exposure to WAGs is linked to:

• Miscarriages
• Genetic damage
• Cancer
• Other diseases (renal and hepatic)

Short-term exposure to high concentrations of WAGs can result in:

• Headaches
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Difficulties in judgment
• Difficulties in coordination

WAGs may include:

• Nitrous oxide
• Halothane
• Enflurane
• Isoflurane
• Others

Decreasing Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases

How can perioperative personnel decrease the risk of exposure to waste anesthetic gases?

1. Use of scavenger systems to remove any WAGs
2. Routinely checking anesthesia equipment for gas leaks
3. Not starting gas flows until mask is securely on a patient
4. Ensuring gases are turned off when intubating a patient
5. When filling anesthetic gases, use a closed system
6. Use of IV anesthesia (when appropriate)

1 – The anesthetic machine takes the gases that are exhaled from the patient and removes them via the ‘scavenging system’.

2 – This tubing channels all unwanted anesthetic gasses out of the OR where they can be safely disposed of.

3 – Follow the tubing from the base of the anesthetic machine, up and out of the room.