Nitrous oxide exposure a potential danger in dentists’ offices
Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is the most common inhaled anesthetic used by dental practitioners. Although considered safe for occasional use in patients, studies show that long-term, work-related exposure may increase the risk of diseases of the nervous system, kidneys, and liver and of miscarriage and infertility. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize exposure of dental workers to nitrous oxide.
To examine whether recommended controls are used to minimize exposure to nitrous oxide during dental procedures,the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) surveyed 284 practicing dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants for the Health and Safety Practices Survey of Healthcare Workers. These respondents worked in private dental practices and reported administering nitrous oxide and no other anesthetic gases to their adult and pediatric patients in the 7 days prior to the survey. Findings were recently published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.