What are the health effects of exposure to waste anesthetic gases?
Effects of exposure to high concentrations Exposure to high concentrations of waste anesthetic gases—even for a short time—may cause the following health effects: • Headache • Irritability • Fatigue • Nausea • Drowsiness • Difficulties with judgment and coordination • Liver and kidney disease Effects of exposure to low concentrations Although some studies report no adverse health effects from long-term exposure to low concentrations of waste anesthetic gases, several studies have linked such exposure to miscarriages, genetic damage, and cancer among operating-room workers. Studies have also reported miscarriages in the spouses of exposed workers and birth defects in their offspring. Therefore, NIOSH is concerned about worker exposures to these gases and recommends controls to prevent exposures.
