COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Ohio Health announced Tuesday that it will replace its inhaled anesthetic gas with one that is better for the environment, making it the first health system in central Ohio to take the step.

Desflurane, an inhaled anesthetic gas, has been used in many of Ohio Health’s operations, but studies show that once released into the atmosphere, it remains there for up to 14 years. As part of its commitment to reach net zero by 2050, Ohio Health has decided to phase out desflurane in favor of sevoflurane.

“Desflurane is the inhaled anesthetic that is the most potent greenhouse gas with the greatest global warming potential,” anesthesiologist Arvind Malik said in a press release. “Because climate change contributes directly to humanitarian emergencies, reducing greenhouse gases can have tremendous benefits for the health of our population.”

Since eliminating desflurane, Ohio Health has seen a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from anesthetic gas. Anesthesiologists pointed out that a healthy environment is critical to patient health.

“Our mission at Ohio Health is to improve the health of the people we care for,” said Adam Trimble, medication adherence coordinator at Ohio Health. “Climate change is one of the biggest health issues we face today. It contributes to rising temperatures and poor air quality, which can negatively impact the health of our communities. Decisions like this demonstrate our commitment to providing higher levels of care for the patients in our community.”