Background

Anesthetic gases are used to induce rapid, reversible Central Nervous System (CNS) depression for surgical procedures. Halothane came into use as an anesthetic in 1956. Some studies have implicated the use of some anesthetic gases, including halothane, as possible causes of kidney, liver, and reproductive diseases in populations with occupational exposure. Additionally, certain individuals in non-occupational settings have experienced acute, life-threatening reactions to halothane. Isoflurane is less likely to injure the kidneys and liver in healthy individuals, but some studies show that it may be fetotoxic, and like other anesthetic gases, may increase risks of side effects in individuals with certain health conditions, and may (rarely) cause malignant hyperthermia. Exposure to other anesthetic gases may also carry exposure risks to research animals and staff. The proposed use of anesthetic gases other than halothane or isoflurane should be discussed with a Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR) veterinarian and Laboratory Safety staff.

What You Can Do to Avoid Exposure

Personnel are required to follow safe handling protocols to ensure that they are not exposed to potentially harmful anesthetic gas levels. Personnel using halothane or isoflurane for animal anesthetic procedures should be informed regarding the potential of adverse health consequences related to exposure. By completing this training, you will acquire the knowledge to handle halothane and isoflurane safely. Any questions and concerns should be addressed to LAR or EH&S.

Completing the Training

Please carefully read the following information and complete the questionnaire. After submitting the questionnaire, you can complete your anesthetic safety training by contacting your supervisor or LAR staff for a demonstration of the use of vaporizing equipment. The vaporizing units in LAR are currently set up for isoflurane use. No other anesthetic gases may be used in these units.

If you have any questions regarding anesthetic gas safety, please contact EH&S by calling 644-8916.

Waste Anesthetic Gases

The anesthetic gases that leak out and into the surrounding room during medical procedures are considered waste anesthetic gases. The waste anesthetic gases of concern in use at FSU are halothane and isoflurane. Exposure may result in nausea, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, sterility, miscarriages, birth defects, cancer, and liver or kidney disease. All CNS depressants carry the risk of loss of consciousness.

Chemical Effects

• Halothane and Isoflurane are anesthetics - sufficient inhaled amounts will depress the CNS. Exposure at high levels may result in dizziness, headache, confusion, nausea, and unconsciousness.
• Halothane and Isoflurane vapors are heavier than air. A harmful contamination of the air can be reached very rapidly on evaporation at 20°C.
• Long term or repeated exposure to halothane may have effects on the liver and kidneys. Exposure to halothane or isoflurane may cause reproductive toxicity in humans and may cause miscarriages.

Infrequent but Serious Halothane/Isoflurane Effects

In susceptible individuals, halothane may induce:

• Chemical hepatitis - a serious inflammation of the liver

In susceptible individuals, halothane or isoflurane may induce:

• Malignant Hyperthermia - a syndrome that includes greatly increased body metabolism, muscle rigidity, hyperthermia, and can result in death

How You Can Protect Yourself from Halothane Exposure

• Researchers must be trained by qualified personnel in the safe handling of all laboratory chemicals.
• All of the vaporizing equipment used in the LAR facilities have been adapted for use with isoflurane. Halothane may not be used in these vaporizers.
• Halothane must be used in a fume hood, where chemical vapors will be exhausted from the work area.

How You Can Protect Yourself from Isoflurane Exposure

• Researchers must be trained by qualified personnel in the proper use of equipment, including vapor exhaust (scavenging hose), for isoflurane use.
• If no one in the lab is familiar with this equipment, contact LAR for guidance. LAR has created online training in the use of anesthetic equipment.
• The filling or refilling of the vaporizer port is an action which might result in an isoflurane exposure. Use anesthetic gas scavenging equipment installed in the surgery rooms during the surgeries and vaporizer "fill" operations.

How You Can Protect Yourself from Isoflurane Exposure

How You Can Protect Yourself from Isoflurane Exposure

How You Can Protect Yourself from Isoflurane Exposure

Instructions for Scavenging Isoflurane from the Induction Chamber in the Surgery Suites

If You Suspect a Leak

If you smell isoflurane, you are being exposed. Contact LAR for a check of the equipment.

If you experience dizziness, nausea, or headache, you must leave the room and close the door. Contact LAR for equipment concerns or EH&S for health concerns.

In Case of a Spill

Leave the room immediately, and make sure the door is closed. Anesthetic gases will quickly evaporate. Alert others to hazard of entering the room. Allow one hour for a complete air exchange before returning to the room.

If Symptoms Develop

Conclusion

If you have any questions about anesthetic gas safety, contact the Laboratory Safety Officer at EH&S by calling 644-8916.

Upon completion of the quiz on the following slide, your answers will be e-mailed to EH&S and you will be notified by e-mail if you have successfully completed the anesthetic gas safety program.