"Green-gional" anesthesia: the non-polluting benefits of regional anesthesia to decrease greenhouse gases and attenuate climate change
Mausam Kuvadia, Cynthia Cummis, Gregory A. Liguori, Christopher L. Wu
Abstract
Volatile halogenated gases and nitrous oxide used as part of a balanced general anesthetic may contribute to global warming. By avoiding volatile inhalational agent use, regional anesthesia may reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help prevent global warming. We present a theoretical calculation of the potential benefits and a real-life example of how much regional anesthesia may reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Topics & Concepts
Nitrous oxideGreenhouse gasMedicineGlobal warmingClimate changeVolatile anestheticAnesthesiaRegional anesthesiaAnestheticEnvironmental scienceGlobal-warming potentialEcologyBiologyClimate Change and Health ImpactsCardiac, Anesthesia and Surgical OutcomesAnesthesia and Neurotoxicity Research