Posted By Richa Does anyone know if nurses (particularly, female staff) are at health risk due to exposure to anaesthetic gases. I know there are some HSE regulations on this, but I am looking to find out if anyone out there has actually seen any nurse come down with ill effects of such gases? Thank You.

Posted By Mike Bruce There are problems with exposure limits to these gases nitrous oxide being the main gas used, especially with pregnant women. All staff should be monitored for exposure limits by time rota's etc, more info can be found in EH40 and further information can be gained from the medical gas world. Sources of information would be the NHS Health Technical Memorandum 2022 (HTM2022) which covers the supply systems of the gases and the waste anaesthetic gas scavenging systems (AGSS) these should checked on a regular basis for performance. (this also covers dental procedures) A competant contractor in this feild should be able to advise you of the requirements, but you may need to liase with the pharmacist environmental monitoring policy. I hope this sums up a short answer to help.