Health Hazard Evaluation Report No. TA-80-113-813, USPHS-IHS Dental Clinic, St. Ignatius, Montana

摘要

Area sample analyses and employee interviews were conducted at a United States Public Health Service, Indian Health Service dental clinic (SIC-8021) in St. Ignatius, Montana to evaluate health hazards due to waste nitrous-oxide (10024972) (N2O). The evaluation was made in response to a request from the United States Public Health Service, Indian Health Service. Area samples were obtained from various areas of the clinic and breathing zone air samples were taken from the dentist and his assistant. Direct infrared gas analyzer readings of area samples showed N2O values of 25 to 500 parts per million (ppm); average values of 100ppm were noted in the breathing zone of the dentist and his assistant. The standard for N2O recommended by NIOSH is 25ppm. The author concludes that a health hazard exists from overexposure to N2O. Recommendations include the installation of an adequate scavenging system for N2O, routine maintenance and leak testing of equipment, a followup evaluation of the clinical environment, and education of clinical personnel of the health effects of overexposure to N2O.