Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-24-2025
Abstract
1 Background/Introduction: Occupational exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases (WAGs) is a well-known concern for healthcare workers, especially those working in high-risk areas like the operating room (OR). Despite the implementation of safety measures such as WAG scavenging systems, there remains ongoing concern about the potential adverse health effects linked to exposure. This scoping review aims to map the existing evidence on the health risks associated with repeated WAG exposure, specifically focusing on genetic, immunotoxic, and reproductive health impacts. By synthesizing available data, this review seeks to better understand the extent of these risks and identify key gaps in the literature that require further exploration.
2 Methodology: This scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Statement. Three online databases were used to identify papers published between 1990 and 2024. Thirty-one observational studies that focused on various side effects of occupational exposure to WAGs were included for review.
3 Results: Of the 385 articles initially identified, 31 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies used a cross-sectional design. The findings revealed genetic damage, including increased DNA instability, in healthcare workers exposed to WAGs. Several studies also reported heightened oxidative stress and antioxidant deficiency among exposed individuals, with some inconsistencies across studies. Concerns about reproductive health, including sperm motility and DNA fragmentation were also identified.
4. Discussion/Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for further research to investigate the long-term health consequences, especially for perfusionists, who are often overlooked in studies of WAG exposure. Future research should prioritize longitudinal studies and evaluate the efficacy of safety measures to reduce exposure, aiming to improve health outcomes and workplace safety for exposed healthcare workers.
Keywords: Waste Anesthetic Gases, Isoflurane, adverse health effects, negative health impact, DNA instability, genetic damage, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, antioxidant deficiency, immunotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neuroendocrine effects, reproductive impacts
Recommended Citation
Wilkins, Cozette, "Adverse Health Effects of Waste Anesthetic Gases (WAGs): A Scoping Review of Genetic, Immunotoxic, and Reproductive Impacts" (2025). Student Works. 1.
https://digitalcollections.lipscomb.edu/cper_student/1