Investigations of some aspects of atmospheric pollution by anaesthetic gases. II: Aspects of adsorption and emission of halothane by different charcoals.

Four different charcoals have been assessed by exposure to halothane in air until 10, 100 and 500 p.p.m. (v/v) effluent was detectable. The pattern of halothane adsorption, its practical implications and the behaviour of different adsorbers has been demonstrated. The effluent concentration from a charcoal canister should be not more than 10 p.p.m. during the adsorption of 1.5% halothane from a gas flow of 5 litre/min. When 100 p.p.m. is detectable the charcoal should be considered exhausted.