In a proactive move to address the potential health and environmental risks associated with waste anesthetic gases, the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology has recently issued policy considerations outlining the steps necessary for the safe and effective disposal of these gases. The release of these guidelines coincides with the celebration of World Environment Day in June, underscoring the organization's commitment to promoting sustainable practices within the healthcare industry.
Cheryl Parker, DNP, CRNA, RNC-OB, FAWHONN, FAANA, emphasized the significance of these policy considerations, stating that they not only highlight the crucial role played by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists in managing WAG exposure but also provide actionable steps to minimize the environmental impact of these gases. The guidelines incorporate the most current resources available for healthcare facilities that utilize inhaled anesthetic agents and for healthcare providers who may be exposed to WAG.
Uncontrolled exposure to WAG can lead to a range of adverse health effects, including nausea, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, irritability, and even liver and kidney disease, affecting anesthesia staff, patients, and visitors alike. As such, it is imperative to limit the venting of WAG into the healthcare environment. CRNAs, also known as nurse anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists, are particularly vulnerable to increased WAG exposure due to their work in operating rooms and post-anesthesia care units.
While a 2011 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health survey revealed that the use of ventilation or scavenging systems is nearly universal among anesthesia professionals, adherence to other recommended practices varies, particularly between those administering adult and pediatric anesthesia. To address this disparity, the AANA's policy considerations include a checklist for anesthesia providers, facility biomedical engineers, and healthcare facility administrators, aimed at limiting WAG exposure.
As healthcare facilities develop their WAG policies, CRNAs are uniquely positioned to collaborate with facility biomedical engineers and review relevant local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and other professional organizational standards. This collaboration is essential in determining acceptable WAG ranges, the frequency of monitoring hazardous gases and vapors, and appropriate air exchange levels within a facility, ultimately mitigating exposure to these gases.
CRNAs must also verify that appropriate safety precautions are in place across all locations where they work, including non-operating rooms and office-based practices, to limit WAG exposure. This involves ensuring proper maintenance of anesthesia machines and breathing circuits, as well as considering the selection of anesthetic gases with lower environmental impact.
Research has shown that the atmospheric lifetimes, global warming potential, and ozone-depleting potential of anesthetic gases reinforce their negative impact on climate change. Parker emphasized the importance of CRNAs being aware of new technologies and opportunities to implement innovative solutions for positive environmental impact into their practice.
