Hospitals Greater Global Warmers, Reveals Study

Moreover, much of the anaesthetic gases used in operation theatres are let out into the atmosphere with only five per cent being metabolised by the patient.

A major portion of this five per cent of these gases taken in by the patient is sent out through breathing. This in other words means a large proportion of anaesthetic gases are released through the operation room scavenging system into the atmosphere.

A study by senior researchers Dr G. Hina and Dr A. Vyas revealed that since anaesthetic gases — volatile halogenated ethers and nitrous oxide — are also green house gases, they contribute to the problem of climate change. Some of these anaesthetic gases stay in the atmosphere for periods ranging from four years to 21 years. Read the full report here.

Source: by Syed Akbar, Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad.