Isoflurane safety in animal research
The Animal Research Safety team has added a new webpage focused on Isoflurane safety.
Isoflurane is the most widely used anesthetic gas used in animal research on campus. However, it and other halogenated anesthetic gases present risks to the people working with them. They generally are associated with potential reproductive risks and may cause skin, respiratory and eye irritation.
To help users mitigate these risks, the new webpage provides safety information and best practices for use, including best practices for setting up anesthetic vaporizers and for using the drop method.
There is also a special section discussing the use of charcoal canisters used with the vaporizers and new procedures for disposal. For example, canisters can NOT go in the regular trash waste stream but rather must be picked up by Chemical Safety for disposal due to the activated charcoal in the canisters.
During the fall IACUC inspections, the Animal Research Safety group will be replacing the current Isoflurane safety signage in labs and facilities across campus. The new sign describes best practices, drop method requirements, disposal information, and contact information for monitoring.
For more helpful tips and resources for Isoflurane safety, check out the new webpage!
by Lisa Moon
Lisa Moon is an Animal Safety Specialist on the Animal Research Safety team. She joined EH&S in 2014 and supports the research community be reviewing animal and biosafety protocols, performing biosafety lab visits, and semi-annual IACUC inspections.
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