Nitrous oxide in 50% O2/N2O mixture for pain management: Occupational exposure levels and prevention in a French hospital

A 50% O2/N2O mixture is effectively used for its analgesic and anxiolytic properties in pain management of diverse short-term medical and superficial surgical procedures. However, healthcare workers are often exposed to high N2O concentrations, exceeding the recommended limit (45mg/m3). Repeatedly occupational N2O exposure might have adverse health effects.