A newly developed scavenging system for administration of nitrous oxide during labour: safe occupational use.

Objective: Nitrous oxide (N(2) O) is routinely used as an analgesic in obstetrics during labour. Epidemiological studies have linked chronic occupational exposure to N(2) O to specific health problems, including reproductive risks. Occupational exposure limits (OELs) allow the use of N(2) O once appropriate preventive and safety measures have been taken.