THE EFFECT OF SCAVENGING ON NITROUS-OXIDE POLLUTION IN THE DELIVERY SUITE

United States standards recommend limits to occupational exposure to n itrous oxide. This can be achieved by the scavenging of waste anaesthe tic gases, a routine practice in the operating suite, but less common in the delivery suite. In this study, nitrous oxide levels in the deli very room were measured, and scavenged and unscavenged levels were com pared. Unacceptable levels of nitrous oxide were found in unscavenged delivery rooms, and in the majority of cases, scavenging reduced nitro us oxide pollution to within recommended limits.