International journal of paediatric dentistry
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Int J Paediatr Dent · Jun 1998
Investigation of nitrous oxide pollution arising from inhalational sedation for the extraction of teeth in child patients.
(i) TO test whether the exposure of dental staff to nitrous oxide during inhalational sedation with nitrous oxide/oxygen for extractions in children complies with specified occupational exposure standards, and (ii) to assess the atmospheric nitrous oxide concentration at one site close to the breathing zone of the operator/sedationist and to determine which patient- and sedation-related factors affect the level of nitrous oxide pollution. ⋯ In this study, staff exposure to nitrous oxide complied with the national occupational exposure standard but there was still considerable atmospheric nitrous oxide pollution during inhalational sedation for paediatric exodontia.