Nitrous oxide has been shown to inactivate the part of vitamin B12 that synthesises folate, methionine and thiamin, all of which are involved in normal cell division and DNA production. There is concern that this effect may be the underlying cause of increased level of morbidity in health workers exposed to nitrous oxide Such morbidity includes higher rates of miscarriage, myeloneuropathy and infertility for female workers (Rowland et al 1992, Ahlborg et al 1996)). Rowland et al (1992) found an "association between occupational exposure to high levels of unscavenged nitrous oxide and reduced fertility in female dental assistants", and a longer mean time to conception among women who worked with unscavenged nitrous oxide for five or more hours per week.
Posted on: Tue, 24 Sep 2013 00:21:50 +0000
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