The hazards of chronic exposure to nitrous oxide: an update.

This paper reviews the potential occupational hazards associated with chronic exposure to nitrous oxide. The evidence that chronic exposure to the gas produces problems related to reproduction in dental personnel is convincing. Recent evidence suggests that scavenging systems decrease the adverse effects which nitrous oxide has on fertility of dental surgery assistants. However, even in the presence of scavenging systems trace levels of the gas can exceed recommended minimum levels.