Date of Presentation

5-4-2023 12:00 AM

Embargo Period

5-4-2024

College

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine

Poster Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a commonly used euthanasia agent in animal facilities. This procedure is carried out by replacing oxygen with carbon dioxide in animal cages, thus providing a quick and painless method of euthanasia. Unfortunately, there has been limited research on the potential effects of human exposure to CO2 during euthanasia procedures.

Following a previous carbon dioxide exposure study in the vivarium at Rowan SOM in 2016, the CO2 cylinders and euthanasia chambers have been relocated to room 153 Science Center and the vivarium has adopted a localized exhaust that helps remove the contaminant at the source.

While the results from the 2016 study were within the Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) carbon dioxide exposure limits, the research team replicated the study to ensure compliance at the new euthanasia chamber location.

Keywords

CO2, Carbon Dioxide, Occupational Exposure, Environmental Exposure, Humans, Animal Euthanasia

Disciplines

Inorganic Chemicals | Laboratory and Basic Science Research | Medicine and Health Sciences | Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene

Document Type

Poster

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May 4th, 12:00 AM

Research Personnel Exposure to Carbon Dioxide During Euthanasia Procedures

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a commonly used euthanasia agent in animal facilities. This procedure is carried out by replacing oxygen with carbon dioxide in animal cages, thus providing a quick and painless method of euthanasia. Unfortunately, there has been limited research on the potential effects of human exposure to CO2 during euthanasia procedures.

Following a previous carbon dioxide exposure study in the vivarium at Rowan SOM in 2016, the CO2 cylinders and euthanasia chambers have been relocated to room 153 Science Center and the vivarium has adopted a localized exhaust that helps remove the contaminant at the source.

While the results from the 2016 study were within the Occupational Health and Safety (OSHA) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienist (ACGIH) carbon dioxide exposure limits, the research team replicated the study to ensure compliance at the new euthanasia chamber location.

 

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