Evaluation of two nitrous oxide scavenging systems using infrared thermography to visualize and control emissions.

Background: The authors conducted a study to determine the effectiveness of two waste anesthetic gas-scavenging systems. They also evaluated one of the systems to determine the effect of work practices in controlling waste nitrous oxide (N2O).

Methods: The authors collected a minimum of 13 data sets in each phase of the study that included infrared thermography, digital videography and real-time air analysis for ambient concentrations of waste N2O.