Respiratory excretion of halothane after clinical and occupational exposure
The authors have demonstrated measurable levels of halothane in patients for as long as 20 days following anesthesia. Significant accumulations of halothane in operating room personnel following occupational exposure was also observed. Toxicity studies of chronic exposure to low concentrations of anesthetic gases are lacking. Recent reports suggest a possible relationship between health problems and chronic exposure to low concentrations of anesthetic gases. Although no relationship has as yet been established, exhaustion of waste anesthetic gases from the operating room through the use of effective gas scavenging devices on anesthesia machines is suggested.