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Laser/Electrosurgery Plume
During surgical procedures that use a laser or
electrosurgical unit, the thermal destruction of tissue creates a smoke
byproduct. Each year, an estimated 500,000 workers, including surgeons, nurses,
anesthesiologists, and surgical technologists, are exposed to laser or
electrosurgical smoke. Surgical plumes have contents similar to other smoke
plumes, including carbon monoxide, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and a variety of
trace toxic gases. As such, they can produce upper respiratory irritation, and
have in-vitro mutagenic potential. Although there has been no documented
transmission of infectious disease through surgical smoke, the potential for
generating infectious viral fragments, particularly following treatment of
venereal warts, may exist. Local smoke evacuation systems have been recommended
by consensus organizations, and may improve the quality of the operating field.
Employers should be aware of this emerging problem and advise employees of the
hazards of laser smoke. Standards This section highlights OSHA standards, standard interpretations (official letters of interpretation of the standards), and national consensus standards related to laser/electrosurgery plume hazards. OSHA Note: Twenty-five states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have OSHA-approved State Plans and have adopted their own standards and enforcement policies. For the most part, these States adopt standards that are identical to Federal OSHA. However, some States have adopted different standards applicable to this topic or may have different enforcement policies.
Standard Interpretations
National Consensus
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has developed several standards relating to laser hazards and non-beam hazards. They are recognized as a minimum standard for laser safety.
Health Effects and Possible Solutions
Additional Information Related Safety and Health Topics Pages |