Estimation of the concentrations of operation room air pollutants and study of the various factors influencing their levels

Abstract Background and Aims: The air pollutants released in the operating room (OR) worsen the quality of air that the OR staff inhale and also exacerbate several illnesses among them. Material and Methods: Various OR pollutants were measured using portable air pollution monitoring equipment, including carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde (HCHO), and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10). Results: The levels of PM2.5 (19.78 ± 8.81 mcg/m 3 vs. 29.83 ± 4.56 mcg/m 3 , P = 0.026) and PM10 (29.93 ± 12.96 mcg/m 3 vs. 38.61 ± 6.89 mcg/m 3 , P = 0.04) were significantly lower in the ORs with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter compared to those without. The levels of other OR pollutants were comparable between the two groups. However, when cautery was used, the Avg TVOC (0.72 ± 0.3 mg/m 3 vs. 0.3 ± 0.28 mg/m 3 , P = 0.044), Avg PM2.5 (29.83 ± 4.57 mcg/m 3 vs. 19.78 ± 8 mcg/m 3 , P = 0.02), and Avg PM10 (38.61 ± 6.89 mcg/m 3 vs. 29.93 ± 12.96 mcg/m 3 , P = 0.044) were higher in the ORs compared to control. In ORs exposed to glutaraldehyde solution, the average TVOC (0.36 ± 0.32 vs. 0.72 ± 0.3, P = 0.04) and PM2.5 (29.83 ± 4.56 mcg/m 3 vs. 20.61 ± 9.70 mcg/m 3 , P = 0.04) were lower in the ORs compared to those of the control. The PM2.5 [36.66 (34.93,38.38)] μg/m 3 and PM10 [49.33 (46.88,51.78)] μg/m 3 levels of the control area are highest in winters but significantly lower in the ORs [PM2.5–17.0 (15.52, 18.47)] μg/m 3 and PM10 [25.02 (20.02,30.02)] μg/m 3 . Conclusions: The average CO 2 level in the ORs was often severe enough to cause cognitive dysfunction among healthcare workers (HCWs). The TVOC level at the anesthesia workstation was higher than the baseline. The levels of PM2.5 exceeded the annual average. The study highlights the need to improve air quality in ORs.