Health hazard evaluation determination report no. HHE-76-113-385, Englewood Hospital, Englewood, New Jersey.

Abstract

A Health Hazard Evaluation was conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the operating room, recovery room, and delivery room areas of the Englewood, N.J., Hospital. On November 15-17, 1976, environmental samples were collected to determine the concentration of nitrous oxide, halothane, and enflurane in these areas.Findings of this evaluation indicate that the mean exposure of anesthesiologists to nitrous oxide was 160 ppm, and to halogenated anesthetic was l .4 ppm. The average exposure of nurses to halogenated anesthetic was 0.4 ppm. These concentrations exceed the NIOSH recommended limit of 25 ppm nitrous oxide and 0.5 ppm halogenated anethetic. Since information on adverse health effects due to exposure to waste anesthetic gases is not completely definitive and many unknown factors still exist, reconmended permissible levels of exposure are not defined as safe levels but rather as levels which are attainable with current technology. These levels should prevent the effects caused by acute exposure and significantly reduce the risk associated with long term, low level exposure. II. DISTRIBUTION AND AVAILABILITY OF DETERMINATION REPORT