CSH Networks

In Southampton we have obtained the nitrous oxide cylinder return data from BOC annually since 2008. From the returns we have converted this to CO2e and demonstrated an 80% reduction in the use of anaesthetic nitrous oxide from 2500T CO2e in 2008 to less than 500T in 2020. (GWP taken as 265). Interestingly the most significant falls coincided with the introuduction of circle breathing systems and then more recently with anaesthesia machines capable of end tidal control. Kate Elliott surveyed the anaesthetic department exploring anaesthesia techniques and whilst paediatric gas inductions include nitrous oxide in about half, the younger anaesthetists use nitrous oxide almost regularly especially in the emergency setting. There is widespread knowledge of the environmental impact of nitrous oxide in our department. The study has been accepted for publication in the journal Anaesthesia.