Trends in greenhouse gas emissions from volatile anaesthetics in 41 countries: 2013–2023
Authors' conclusion
Our study highlighted large differences in the management of greenhouse gas emissions attributable to volatile anaesthetic use.
Study context
- Population
- Use of volatile anaesthetic agents in 41 countries (≈35% of the global population)41 countries
- Outcome
- Greenhouse gas emissions from volatile anaesthetics: kg of carbon dioxide equivalents (based on global warming potential) per capita and percentage change
- Follow-up
- 2018 to 2023
Methodological detailsmultinational, IQVIA MIDAS® and national medicines agencies sales data
- Multinational
- IQVIA MIDAS® and national medicines agencies sales data
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Greenhouse gas emissions from volatile anaesthetic agents
Substantial increase in several Asian countries; South Korea and Japan highest globally (approximately, kg carbon dioxide equivalents per inhabitant)
2.5 kg
Further findings
Per-capita carbon-equivalent emissions, European countries (highest vs lowest emitters)
- Fold difference between highest and lowest emitters
- 17-fold
- Secondary analysis restricted to European countries
Original publication
Trends in greenhouse gas emissions from volatile anaesthetics in 41 countries: 2013–2023. Anaesthesia. Published 6 August 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →