Is nitrous oxide a climate risk? Yes, but doctors say effective pain relief in childbirth should be the priority
Experts have queried a report urging women against laughing gas' as pain relief during labour due to its environmental impact
Greenpeace and obstetricians have questioned a scientific report warning pregnant women to consider alternatives to nitrous oxide as pain relief during childbirth because of the environmental impact of its emissions.
A report in Australasian Anaesthesia notes that while nitrous oxide - known as laughing gas when used as an anaesthetic - is an effective method of pain relief during labour, the gas represents 7% of global emissions, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Carbon dioxide and methane account for 66% and 16% respectively.
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