Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 265 times that of carbon dioxide and an atmospheric lifetime of 110 years.
Studies show that a significant amount of nitrous oxide (N2O) leaks from hospital infrastructure, with at least half or often over 70% escaping before reaching patients.
In response to this issue, the University of Melbourne, in collaboration with the Australian Government's Department of Health and Aged Care and the Interim Australian Centre for Disease Control, has published a resource titled "Detecting and Reducing Nitrous Oxide Leaks in Healthcare Facilities: A Practical Guide." Key recommendations from this guide include:
- Minimising the use of N2O whenever possible.
- Isolating N2O flow in areas of the facility where it is no longer in use.
- Avoiding the installation of new N2O infrastructure.
- Decommissioning existing N2O pipelines when appropriate.