Effects of occupational exposure to trace levels of halogenated anesthetics on the liver, kidney, and oxidative stress parameters in operating room personnel

This study was conducted to measure the concentration of halogenated anesthetics in breathing
zone air of the personnel and evaluate their effects on hepatic and renal functions as well as
oxidative stress parameters. Levels of these gases in air samples were lower than the national
recommended exposure limits (50 ppm). Occupational exposure to anesthetic gases significantly
induced oxidative stress in the operating room personnel, marked by increased plasma levels of
transaminase enzymes accompanied by the marked decline of enzymatic and non-enzymatic
antioxidant levels, and the rise of MDA levels (p < 0.05); these adverse effects would increase
with increasing work experience.