Occupational exposure of medical professionals to some anaesthetics in Egypt II health effects

ABSTRACT

This study included 60 medical professionals [males and females] exposed to waste anaesthetics in the operating rooms [O.Rs.] of Alexandria University hospitals, and 30 controls. Subjects were interviewed for health complaints developed after employment; also, some hematological and blood and urine biochemical tests were performed. Allergic manifestations, hepatitis, Kidney disorders, dizziness, headache, disorientation, difficult concentration, fatigue, nervousness and irritability were significantly higher among O.R. subjects than among controls. No changes of fertility and pregnancy outcome were observed. The white blood cell count was significantly lower while erythrocyte sedimentation rates [ESR, ESR[2]] were significantly higher. Blood urea, SGOT and SGPT were significantly higher, while serum bilirubin was only slightly lower, with no difference in serum creatinine. Blood halothane levels ranged between 1-6 ppm, similar to levels in previous studies, while blood levels of N[2]O were 50-350 ppm, considerably higher than previously reported values; and the total urinary fluoride ion concentration was significantly higher, and related significantly to 1ife-hour duration of exposure