Less is more. Atmospheric and environmental stakes - sedate with care

Volatile anesthetics have been the mainstream of anaesthesia for the last 70 years. Over two decades, there has been growing concern related to the greenhouse gas (GHG) potential (volatiles and nitrous oxide) and ozone- depleting effects of some agents (Isoflurane, halothane and nitrous oxide). Global warming potential at 100 years (GWP 100 ) of isoflurane, sevoflurane and desflurane are, respectively, 565, 205 and 2720 time higher than that of carbon dioxide.

The objective of this reflection is to estimate the GHG release from volatile-based sedation with isoflurane or sevoflurane in an average ICU patient and compare it to propofol 1% or 2% sedation.