Ethyl Ether
The use of diethyl ether for anesthesia
or euthanasia is discouraged in laboratory animals
because of its highly flammable nature. Ether forms explosive peroxides
when exposed to air or light. When shaken under absolutely dry conditions,
ether can generate enough static electricity to start a fire. In some
cases, effective alternate anesthetics are available that are not
explosive. Ether is irritating to mucous membranes and causes excessive
salivation in many species.
If ether must be used, the following precautions
must be taken:
- Because peroxides prolong induction of anesthesia,
ether exposed to air for more than 24 hours must
not be used for anesthesia.
- Precautions must be taken to insure that liquid
ether never comes into direct contact with the animals.
- Ether must never be used in an animal room.
- Ether must always be used in an appropriate fume
hood, preferably explosion-proof, which is running
throughout the period of use. Ether should not be
used near a flame source or other ignition source,
such as an electric motor.
- Ether must be stored in explosion-proof cabinets
or refrigerators. Use the smallest size container
possible when storing ether.
- If animals are euthanized with ether, the carcass
must be left in an open container within a fume hood
for 30 minutes to allow the ether to evaporate, before
placing in plastic bags for refrigeration or incineration.
- Signs must be posted indicating the explosion hazard
in areas where ether is used.
- Excess ether must be properly disposed of prior
to the expiration date marked on the can.
References
"Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" NIH
Publication #85-23, 1985.
1986 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia, Journal American Medical Association,
Vol. 188, 1986
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