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Title Health hazard evaluation report HETA 86-157-1678, Stag Dental Clinic, Boulder, Colorado
Creator/Author Gunter, B.J.
Publication Date1986 Mar 01
OSTI IdentifierOSTI ID: 5101503
Report Number(s)PB-86-223021/XAB;HETA-86-157-1678
Resource TypeTechnical Report
Research OrgNational Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
Subject500200 -- Environment, Atmospheric-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989) ;552000 -- Public Health; DENTISTRY-- HAZARDOUS MATERIALS;HAZARDOUS MATERIALS-- INDOOR AIR POLLUTION;OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY; AIR QUALITY;INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE;INSPECTION;NIOSH;TOXICITY;VENTILATION
Related SubjectAIR POLLUTION;ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY;MATERIALS;MEDICINE;NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS;POLLUTION;SAFETY;US ORGANIZATIONS
Description/Abstract Employees of the Stag Dental Clinic, Boulder, Colorado requested an evaluation of nitrous oxide exposure during dental procedures.^Direct reading measurements taken in the dental operatory immediately after nitrous oxide was administered showed levels exceeding 1000 parts per million (ppm) in the breathing zone of the dentist and his assistant.^The levels remained high throughout the 1-hour procedure.^The level of nitrous oxide in the hallway outside the operatory was 300 ppm and that in the adjacent operatory, 150 ppm (background).^General-room air in the operatory in use was 800 ppm nitrous oxide.^Levels of nitrous oxide decreased to 50 ppm 1.5 hours after the gas was turned off.^The current NIOSH recommended time weighted average is 25 ppm.^The author concludes that a health hazard existed at the dental office due to high exposures of nitrous oxide.^It was recommended that a scavenging system should be installed.^Recommendations also include routine maintenance on anesthetic and suction equipment, a follow-up evaluation after the exhaust systems have been in place, advising all dentists and other personnel in the clinic of the adverse health effects due to nitrous oxide, and use of more dilution ventilation.
Country of PublicationUnited States
LanguageEnglish
FormatPages: 15
AvailabilityNTIS, PC A02/MF A01.
System Entry Date2001 May 13

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