title: The hazards of diathermy plume. Part 1. The literature search.
abstract: Laser and electrocautery devices used during surgery produce smoky emissions that may contain vapours and particulate aerosols, which can have a chemical and biological impact on those exposed. A group of theatre staff and specialist nurses at Rotherham District General Hospital got together to draw up a risk assessment into the possible occupational exposure of theatre staff, with a view to eliminating or controlling these hazards as far as possible.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Governance and Risk Management, Huddersfield Central PCT.
authors.forename: Eve
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Beswick
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Wakefield
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013502:General Surgery; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control; D009871:Operating Room Nursing; D009873:Operating Rooms / Q000592:standards; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000592:standards; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012906:Smoke / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014691:Ventilation / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D012906:Smoke