Controlling Exposures to Nitrous Oxide During Anesthetic Administration¹

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) requests assistance in controlling exposures of workers to nitrous oxide (N2O) during the administration of anesthetic gas in medical, dental, and veterinary operatories.

Reduced Fertility Among Women Employed as Dental Assistants Exposed to High Levels of Nitrous Oxide²

Epidemiologic studies have suggested an association between exposure to mixed anesthetic gases and impaired fertility. We investigated the effects of occupational exposure to nitrous oxide on the fertility of female dental assistants.

Toxicity of Bone Marrow in Dentists Exposed to Nitrous Oxide³

This study provides direct evidence that occupational exposure to nitrous oxide may cause depression of vitamin B12 activity resulting in measurable changes in bone marrow secondary to impaired synthesis of deoxyribonucleic acid.

Serum Methionine and Hepatic Enzyme Activity in Anaesthetists Exposed to Nitrous Oxide⁴

Normal serum concentrations of methionine, leucine, isoleucine and valine have been found in 10 anaesthetists using nitrous oxide under their regular working conditions without scavenging of patients’ exhaled gas.