Contact careCheck with your care teamWork exposure

Waste anaesthetic gases in theatres or dental rooms

Repeated workplace exposure to escaping anaesthetic gases depends on scavenging, ventilation, equipment maintenance and work practice.

Direct guidance

What to know or do

Request an occupational assessment of the specific room and procedure. Odour is not a reliable exposure measure, and a mask intended for infection control does not replace gas capture and ventilation.

What changes the answer

  • The named chemical, biological, radiation, physical or scheduling hazard
  • How often and how much exposure occurs, including spills and take-home residue
  • Engineering controls, task changes and correctly fitted PPE available at work

Check with your care team

When to get individual help

Contact your doctor or maternity service promptly and describe the timing, severity, associated symptoms and pregnancy week so they can choose the right assessment.