Nitrous oxide is used as an anesthetic agent in medical, dental, and veterinary operatories.
Occupational exposures in dental operatories may be excessive and tend to be more difficult to control than in general operating theaters. Workers exposed to nitrous oxide may suffer adverse reproductive effects and decreases in mental performance, audiovisual ability, and manual dexterity. This alert presents control measures for preventing or substantially reducing exposure to nitrous oxide during administration of anesthetic gas. These control measures should be part of a written comprehensive safety and health plan for workers. To request a copy of this document or for questions concerning this document, please contact the person or office listed below.