Strategies to decrease the environmental impact of inhaled anaesthetics

Abstract

Background: Anaesthetic gases, namely nitrous oxide and the volatile halogenated gases sevoflurane, desflurane, isoflurane, and halothane, significantly contribute to the environmental impact of the healthcare sector and climate change. Anaesthetic gases are greenhouse gases with a high global warming potential, due to their volatility and persistence in the atmosphere over extended periods of time. Purpose: To identify green measures being implemented to mitigate the environmental impact of anaesthetic gases. Method: A literature review was conducted to identify green measures being implemented to reduce the environmental impact of anaesthetic gases. The databases PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect were used. Keywords used for the literature search, applying Boolean operators, included anaesthetic gases, greenhouse effect, climate change, and mitigation strategies. The search included articles published in peer-reviewed journals within the last 15 years. The identified articles were analysed thematically. Results: A total of 21 articles were selected for the study. The mitigation strategies were thematically grouped into four main categories: (i) the use of scavenging systems (n = 11), such as the active removal of gases from the operating room; (ii) the use of alternative anaesthetics or combinations with a lower environmental impact (n = 10); (iii) regular maintenance of equipment (n = 8), such as preventing gas leaks; and (iv) emission control (n = 10), including the recovery of exhaled anaesthetics and their subsequent disposal. The implementation of greener measures (n = 17) was mainly achieved through the development of policies within healthcare institutions (n = 8), adoption of greener technologies such as gas capture systems, and raising awareness among anaesthetists and other healthcare professionals (n = 3) through seminars and educational activities. Conclusion: There is increasing awareness of the environmental impact of anaesthetic gases, and some healthcare institutions are already implementing mitigation strategies to reduce their impact. However, further research and awareness are required to decrease the environmental footprint of anaesthesia-related practices while safeguarding patient safety.