TOPLINE:

An analysis of greenhouse gas emissions from volatile anesthetic agents across 41 countries showed that Western nations have achieved significant reductions, but Asian countries continue to increase their use of the agents. South Korea and Japan reported the highest global per capita emissions.

METHODOLOGY:

Researchers conducted a multicounty analysis to estimate greenhouse gas emissions from volatile anesthetics using sales data obtained from IQVIA MIDAS and national medicines agencies.

They calculated kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) equivalents per capita as an indicator of greenhouse gas emissions focusing on sales of desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane in 41 countries, representing approximately 35% of the global population.

The analysis compared emissions among

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