( Int J Obstet Anesth . 2025;62:104359 doi:10.1016/j.ijoa.2025.104359) Nitrous oxide (N 2 O), administered as Entonox, is a potent greenhouse gas with an extended atmospheric lifespan and is a major contributor to ozone depletion. Globally, healthcare contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, and in the UK, Entonox accounts for nearly a third of anesthesia-related emissions, particularly within maternity services. Beyond its environmental effects, prolonged occupational exposure to N 2 O has been associated with health risks for healthcare workers. Despite regulations to limit exposure, midwives often exceed recommended safety levels during their work. Against this backdrop, understanding midwives’ attitudes is essential, as they are the primary providers of Entonox in labor settings. The study explores the environmental and occupational challenges posed by N 2 O in maternity care and examines midwives’ views on its continued use.
Craig et al. (Sun,) studied this question.