Sustainable practice: Cutting nitrous oxide loss and waste

What you need to knowNitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas—one of six critical gases targeted for reduction in the Kyoto ProtocolWaste reviews can reduce consumption of N2O considerably—in some cases by up to 98%Clinicians have an essential leadership role in initiating and contributing to waste reviews to minimise N2O wasteNitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas and ozone depleting drug that is commonly used in hospitals worldwide. A high proportion of the drug is lost or wasted, contributing to unnecessary greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions of N2O can be reduced by cutting use or catalytic cracking; here we outline the methods to reduce emissions from piped N2O waste.Why change is neededN2O is used as an inhalational anaesthetic agent or mixed with oxygen and air (mixed N2O) for pain relief in labour wards, emergency departments, and pre-hospital environments. It is a potent greenhouse gas—one of six critical gases targeted for reduction…
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