| Document ID (ISN) | 109173 |
| CIS number |
09-162 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0340-0131 - International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health |
| Year |
2008 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Westberg H., Egelrud L., Ohlson C.G., Hygerth M., Lundholm C. |
| Title |
Exposure to nitrous oxide in delivery suites at six Swedish hospitals |
| Bibliographic information |
July 2008, Vol.81, No.7, p.829-836. 19 ref. |
| Abstract |
Occupational exposures to nitrous oxide in delivery suites in six Swedish hospitals were evaluated, together with various scavenging techniques. 8h time-weighted averages (TWAs) and short-term (15 min) peak exposures were determined for 36 midwives and assistant midwives. Diffusive samplers were used for monitoring, and analysed by thermal desorption and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The effect on exposure of different types of scavenging systems was studied by mixed model analysis. Findings are discussed. A large number of TWAs exceeded the ACGIH-TLV. Masks connected to scavenging systems significantly reduced exposures. Furthermore, using a forced general air ventilation system in addition to improved working methods substantially improved the air quality in the delivery suites. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
Sweden; nitrous oxide; women; hospitals; health care personnel; exposure evaluation |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
threshold limit values; personal sampling; mass spectrometry; limitation of exposure; exhaust ventilation; gas chromatography; breathing atmosphere; safe working methods; sampling and analysis; statistical evaluation; determination in air; ventilation systems |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Sweden |
| Subject(s) |
Commerce, services, offices
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Inorganic substances
Exposure evaluation
Health care services
|
