Inhaled anaesthesia and analgesia contribute to climate change
Jodi D. Sherman, Brian B. Chesebro
Abstract
We need clear targets and timelines for reducing emissions. The healthcare industry is a major contributor to harmful pollution, including nearly 5% of all global greenhouse gas emissions.1 With their core mission to support health and healing, all health professionals have a duty to prevent environmental pollution. Inhaled anaesthetics are a uniquely clinical source of greenhouse gases, making them of particular interest.2 Anaesthesiology has generated a large body of work assessing the emissions of these gases and developing mitigation solutions that do not compromise the quality or safety of patients (box 1).3 However, given their widespread use beyond the operating room, broader engagement is essential, including from professionals in maternity care, paediatrics, cardiology, emergency medicine, and veterinary medicine, as well as colleagues in facility engineering, administration, industry, and government. Box 1 ### Strategies for reducing inhaled anaesthetic pollution (adapted from Devlin-Hegedus et al3) #### Clinical practice #### Buildings #### Industry regulations and standardsRETURN TO TEXT