Environment impact of inhaled anesthetics: A literature review

Abstract

Current research demonstrates that increasing air pollution causes significant increases in cardiac disease, pulmonary disease, and even death. The known consequences of increasing greenhouse gases parallel those of air pollution and include higher rates of cardiovascular disease, asthma, and infectious disease. This literature review aimed to identify, assimilate, and summarize the known impacts of volatile anesthetics on the Earth’s environment. We present methods that are being used to reduce or eliminate these effects. We also aimed to summarize any known health effects on humans related to volatile anesthetic use and to review ways to reduce and eliminate these impacts. It is our hope that this review will provide evidence that leads to a change in current practice and future practice development that reduces the environmental impact and side effects related to volatile anesthetic use.