Modern medical laboratories and hospitals use a range of gases which can cause both immediate and long-term risks for patients, visitors and the staff. Medical gas detection systems aim at controlling insidious leaks of gases that often have no taste, colour or smell.

Medical laboratories and hospitals use a range of gases such as Enriched Oxygen (O2), Nitrous Oxide (N2O), Helium (He), Nitrogen (N2) and Carbon Dioxide (CO2).

Many gases used in hospitals and laboratories have no taste, colour or smell, which makes it hard to tell if there is a gas leak. A leak from a gas cylinder or fixed piped gas system can cause potentially fatal incidents.

Long-term exposure to anesthetic gases can cause chronic effects of the respiratory, cardiovascular, reproductive, and central nervous systems. It is therefore essential that the maximum acceptable exposure level across an eight-hour period (Time Weighted Average - TWA) is adhered to. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is Toxic and also displaces oxygen, causing asphyxiation and affects respiratory capacity. And at increased Oxygen (O2) levels, the flammability of materials and other gases increases. At levels over 24% spontaneous combustion of items such as clothing may occur.