Laughing gas is no longer funny – it’s an environmental villain | Letter

The lengthy article (Revolution in the air: how laughing gas turned the world, July 4) describes an illuminating story that laughing gas has written: “Since its discovery in the 18th century, laughing gas has evolved from vaudeville gimmick to groundbreaking anesthetic to modern party drug.” However, the article does not inform us about its harmful effects on the environment.

Nitrous oxide is now an environmental villain. It contributes significantly to climate change and is now the leading cause of damage to the ozone layer. It has 300 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide and is slow to degrade, remaining in our atmosphere for over 100 years. Remarkably, Entonox (a mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen) used in childbirth is still present when the child is 100 years old. Nitrous oxide, once a fundamental ingredient in anaesthesia, is no longer required in anaesthesia, except for anaesthesia during pregnancy, and as a result many hospitals are now dismantling their nitrous oxide dispensers where possible.
Prof. Pete Ford Consulting anesthetist
Dr. Hemal Bosamia Anesthesia intern
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital