Isoflurane, desflurane, and sevoflurane and global climate change: Atmospheric chemistry and environmental impact of inhaled anesthetics

Abstract

The atm. chem. of isoflurane, desflurane and sevoflurane has been investigated using FTIR/smog chamber and laser photolysis/laser induced fluorescence techniques. The rates of reactions with OH radicals and Cl atoms, have been measured and the products resulting from the OH radicals and chlorine atom initiated oxidn. have been identified. For the first time, measured absorption cross sections of the anesthetics were weighted by an instantaneous cloudy-sky radiative forcing calcd. for a model atm., allowing for a more accurate evaluation of the global warming potentials for this selection of important medical compds. The results will be discussed with respect to the impact of inhaled anesthetics on the radiative forcing of climate change.