2022
DOI: 10.1111/anae.15838
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Implementing nitrous oxide cracking technology in the labour ward to reduce occupational exposure and environmental emissions: a quality improvement study*

Abstract: Nitrous oxide, a potent greenhouse gas, is a common labour analgesic. One method which may reduce its carbon footprint is to `crack´the exhaled gas into nitrogen and oxygen using catalytic destruction. In this quality improvement project, based on environmental monitoring and staff feedback, we assessed the impact of nitrous oxide cracking technology in the maternity setting. Mean ambient nitrous oxide levels were recorded during the final 30 minutes of uncomplicated labour in 36 cases and plotted on a run cha… Show more

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Cited by 29 publications
(32 citation statements)
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“…79 Evaluation in UK hospitals suggested that this technology may reduce ambient N 2 O levels by 71% to 81%, despite identifying barriers to implementation. 25 These included the space required by the unit, noise created by the unit, and impracticalities of the scavenging tubing. 25 The main limitation of catalytic destruction is the high energy requirement, the prolonged time required for gas treatment, solid waste generation, and the significant initial investment.…”
Section: Catalytic Destructionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…79 Evaluation in UK hospitals suggested that this technology may reduce ambient N 2 O levels by 71% to 81%, despite identifying barriers to implementation. 25 These included the space required by the unit, noise created by the unit, and impracticalities of the scavenging tubing. 25 The main limitation of catalytic destruction is the high energy requirement, the prolonged time required for gas treatment, solid waste generation, and the significant initial investment.…”
Section: Catalytic Destructionmentioning
confidence: 99%
“…As highlighted by Pinder et al. [3], other analgesic techniques, such as epidurals and remifentanil, are available and have a lower carbon footprint than N 2 O. When informed about the broader global impact of N 2 O and occupational side effects for staff, are we potentially providing biased information to women and inflicting an ‘emotional blackmail’ of sorts, with which we influence their decision?…”
mentioning
confidence: 99%
“…[4] recommend the graded implementation of restrictions in these cases and that patients should be given a choice to comply voluntarily, or not, as the case may be. Concerning analgesia in obstetric care, informed consent, free of public health nudges and including alternative analgesic techniques such as epidurals and remifentanil, should be adequately explained to patients [1–3]. Knowing additional benefits and risks associated with these options allows patients to make unbiased choices, factoring in all aspects, both individual and broader.…”
mentioning
confidence: 99%
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