Electrosurgical smoke plume. Is it harmful to staff?
When a potential problem was identified by several staff regarding electrosurgical smoke plume, Angharad Hughes and Jonathan Hughes decided to look into the situation using an evidence-based approach. What follows is a precis of literature found, and information about how this approach was carried out. It shows that there is some evidence that particles present in smoke plume are potentially harmful to health, but that the extent of the risk is as yet unknown.
Hughes
A
A
Operating Department, Royal United Hospital, Bath.
Hughes
J
J
D004598:Electrosurgery; D006801:Humans; D019570:Inhalation Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D008397:Masks; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D013527:Perioperative Nursing; D012906:Smoke / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014691:Ventilation
D012906:Smoke