From: "McNary, Jennifer@CDPH"

There is increasing evidence that exposure to isoflurane, the anesthetic gas commonly used in veterinary practice, may pose health risks, including nervous and reproductive system harm. A California Department of Public Health Occupational Health Branch investigation found high levels of isoflurane in workers' breathing zones during common veterinary procedures. Learn more at
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/OHB/Pages/OHWJun2019.aspx

Jennifer McNary, MPH, CIH
Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS)
Occupational Health Branch, California Department of Public Health


Occupational Health Watch: June 2019
Anesthetic Gas: A Risk for Veterinary Workers
There is increasing evidence that exposure to isoflurane, the anesthetic gas commonly used in veterinary practice, may pose health risks, including nervous or reproductive system harm.

A new Workplace Hazard Update, Isoflurane May Harm Veterinary Worker Health (PDF), details how staff are exposed. It also provides guidance for minimizing exposure.

A California Department of Public Health investigation found high levels of isoflurane in workers' breathing zones during common veterinary procedures. Staff at veterinary practices were often unaware of the dangers of isoflurane, Cal/OSHA requirements, and ways they can protect themselves from the hazard.

Did you know?

Cal/OSHA has set a legal limit on the maximum level of isoflurane that can be in the air workers breathe. This Permissible Exposure Limit, or PEL, for isoflurane is 2 parts per million (ppm). CDPH found that many veterinarians, clinic owners, and workers were unaware of this regulation.

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