Health Hazard Evaluation Report HETA 84-046-1584, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota. [Ethylene oxide and waste anesthetic gases]

Personal and area air samples were analyzed for ethylene oxide and waste anesthetic gases at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota in February, April, and July, 1984. The survey was requested by the center to evaluate health problems among employees. Medical questionnaires were administered and interviews were conducted with 59 employees in the instrument and operating room areas of the ear, nose, and throat, and surgery clinics. Ethylene-oxide was not detected during operation of the sterilizer. Nitrous-oxide concentrations of 66 to 138ppm were detected during surgical procedures. The authors conclude that a health hazard due to exposure to waste anesthetic gases exists at the center. Recommendations include evaluating the ventilation system and conducting additional monitoring for waste anesthetic gases.