The use of nitrous oxide in paediatric anaesthetic practice in the United Kingdom: a questionnaire survey

Summary Nitrous oxide pollution is common in paediatric anaesthetic practice. A questionnaire was sent to all UK members of the Association of Paediatric Anaesthetists requesting details of three areas of their paediatric practice relating to nitrous oxide: attitudes to its use; current usage; and availability of alternatives. Replies were received from 296 (68%) consultants. Of these, 169 (57%) stated that their use of nitrous oxide had decreased over the last 5 years. One hundred and fifty‐eight (54%) considered theatre pollution a problem in paediatric anaesthesia. One hundred and sixty‐nine (57%) reported that in normal circumstances potential deleterious effects on patients influenced their use of nitrous oxide, whilst only 70 (24%) felt potential effects on staff influenced usage. Fifty‐five (18%) felt there should be some restriction in the availability of nitrous oxide.