Distribution of Anesthetic Gases in an Operating Room (Preliminary Report)

Abstract

In the past five years various reports have been published concerning the pollution in operating rooms by anesthetic gases. The concentrations of these gases, usually halothane and nitrous oxide, have been measured by several investigators. The results of these measurements appear, however, to differ greatly. In addition, since the measurements were often taken at one or only a few points in the room, mainly in the breathing zone of the anesthetist, it is impossible to make a general statement about the degree of pollution in operating rooms. There has not yet been an adequate investigation into the distribution of these gases throughout operating rooms nor how this distribution develops.