Commonly used, potent inhaled anesthetics, such as sevoflurane, are nonionized halogenated ethers with low molecular weight that cross semipermeable membranes easily by means of simple diffusion.

The potency of a local anesthetic is largely dependent on its lipid solubility, which is determined by its aromatic ring as well as the substitutions of groups attached to its tertiary amine.

Abrams prefers other anesthetics and wanted to get rid of the ether. Sometimes, in similar situations, nurses say, Dr. Abrams has casually drained ether onto the floor and let it evaporate.

Philadelphia-area health systems are phasing out a common anesthesia gas that hangs in the atmosphere for 14 years. Desflurane is the most potent greenhouse gas found in hospitals, which are ...

Anesthesia using desflurane gas has a carbon footprint about 40 times higher than sevoflurane, when taking into account its potency and the 20-year global warming potential, or GWP-20.