In partnership with Associate Vice Chancellor for Research–Laboratory Safety Nancy Wayne, the Industrial Hygiene Program in Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) has launched an effort to raise awareness regarding hazards associated with exposure to isoflurane and other halogenated anesthetics. The attached Fact Sheet on Waste Anesthetic Gases was developed to inform the research community of this issue and to provide steps to mitigate the risk of exposure.
Researchers using anesthetic gases, isoflurane in particular, must be aware of the risks of exposure and the symptoms associated with overexposure. It is critical that PIs make sure that they have set up their anesthesia equipment correctly, that there are no leaks, and that all of their researchers are properly trained.
If you or your researchers have concerns about equipment or proper use of anesthetic gas, please contact the EH&S Industrial Hygiene Program at 310-794-5080.