Measurement of anesthetic pollution in veterinary operating rooms for small animals: Isoflurane pollution in a university veterinary hospital

Exposure to anesthetic gases in the operating rooms and assessment of non-carcinogenic risk among health care workers

Health care workers employed operating room in hospital and health centers are unavoidably exposed to inhaling toxic gases, including isoflurane and sevoflurane. Chronic contact with these gases increases the risk of spontaneous abortion, congenital anomalies and cancers. Risk assessment is an important tool in predicting the possible risk to personnel's health. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the concentration of isoflurane and sevoflurane gas in the air of the operating room and estimating the non-carcinogenic risk caused by them. In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, according to the occupational method (OSHA 103), 23 samples (isoflurane and sevoflurane) were collected in the air of operating rooms of four selected hospitals in Ahvaz city by using SKC sampling pumps and sorbent tube (Anasorb 747). The samples were determined by used to gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC/FID). Statistical analysis, including the Kruskal-Wallis test, was used to compare the average concentration of anesthetic gases, and the one-sample t-test was used to compare the average with the standard level. In all analyses, the significance level was 0.05, which was performed by SPSS version 22 software. Result of this study showed that the average concentration of isoflurane in private and general hospitals were 23.636 and 17.575 ppm, respectively. Also, the average level of sevoflurane were 1.58 and 7.804 ppm. According to the results the mean amount of anesthetic gases was within the range recommended by Iran's Occupational and Environmental Health Center and the permissible threshold limit provided by ACGIH. In addition, non-cancer risks from occupational exposure to isoflurane and sevoflurane in selected private and general hospitals were acceptable (HQ < 1). Although the results show that overall occupational exposure to anesthetic gases is less than acceptable but long-term exposure to anesthetic gases may endanger the health of operating room staffs. Therefore, it is recommended to implement some technical controls, including regular inspection of ventilation systems, the use of advanced ventilation systems with high cleaning power, continuous control of anesthesia devices in terms of leakage, and periodic training of related staff.

The path to Net Zero carbon emissions for veterinary practice

The urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the Paris Agreement is a compelling reason for the entire veterinary profession to act on climate change because of its impact on animal health. The aim of this perspective is to provide a business framework that veterinary practices can use to implement the path to Net Zero carbon emissions. Practice management is identified as a key stakeholder capable of implementing significant change within the sector. Climate related business opportunities and challenges are identified and integrated into a stepwise process for practices to follow. The pathway requires establishing a culture of sustainability within the veterinary team, measuring and reporting emissions, setting targets and systematically prioritizing reductions. Practices can begin this process immediately by reducing emissions under direct control of the business (Scope 1) and emissions from electricity purchases (Scope 2). To complete the pathway, emissions from all other activities (Scope 3) will need to be reduced and offset. Reduction of Scope 3 emissions is more challenging and will require collaboration between all supply chain stakeholders. The progression of climate change is now inevitable and a proactive approach from veterinary leaders, in particular practice management, will provide new opportunities, manage risks and inspire the broader veterinary sector to join their efforts to achieve a better future for animal health.

Evaluation of genetic instability, oxidative stress, and metabolism-related gene polymorphisms in workers exposed to waste anesthetic gases

Professionals who work in operating rooms (ORs) may be exposed daily to waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) due to the use of inhalational anesthetics. Considering the controversial findings related to genetic damage and redox status in addition to a lack of knowledge about the effect of polymorphisms in genes related to phase I and II detoxification upon occupational exposure to WAGs, this cross-sectional study is the first to jointly evaluate biomarkers of genetic instability, oxidative stress, and susceptibility genes in professionals occupationally exposed to high trace amounts of halogenated (≥ 7 ppm) and nitrous oxide (165 ppm) anesthetics in ORs and in individuals not exposed to WAGs (control group). Elevated rates of buccal micronucleus (MN) and nuclear bud (NBUD) were observed in the exposure group and in professionals exposed aged more than 30 years. Exposed males showed a higher antioxidant capacity, as determined by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), than exposed females; exposed females had higher frequencies of MN and NBUD than nonexposed females. Genetic instability (MN) was observed in professionals with greater weekly WAG exposure, and those exposed for longer durations (years) exhibited oxidative stress (increased lipid peroxidation and decreased FRAP). Polymorphisms in metabolic genes (cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)) did not exert an effect, except for the effects of the GSTP1 (rs1695) AG/GG polymorphism on FRAP (both groups) and GSTP1 AG/GG and GSTT1 null polymorphisms, which were associated with greater FRAP values in exposed males. Minimizing WAG exposure is necessary to reduce impacts on healthcare workers.