title: Application of a two-zone model to estimate medical laser-generated particulate matter exposures.
abstract: We estimated particulate matter exposures for two simulated medical laser procedures using a near-field/far-field model. Size-specific mass emission rates obtained from a laboratory-based emission chamber study were used with estimated room size, air exchange rate, and interflow between zones to demonstrate the potential exposure range. Modeled steady-state concentrations for the near-field ranged between 80 and 2140 μg/m(3) and between 40 and 1650 μg/m(3) in the far-field. Results indicate concentrations in the simulated scenarios are similar to those obtained from limited field assessments conducted in hospital operating rooms. Since new medical laser technologies and applications continue to grow, modeled occupational exposures of medical laser-generated particulate matter can be useful in better understanding these exposures in the clinical environment, and to inform control strategies.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Environmental Health Science , Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, Indiana University , Indianapolis , Indiana.
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lopez
authors.forename: Steven E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Lacey
authors.forename: Rachael M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational / Q000032:analysis*; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D052638:Particulate Matter / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000395:Air Pollutants, Occupational; D052638:Particulate Matter
keywords: emission rate; exposure modeling; laser surgery; laser-generated air contaminant; laser-generated particulate matter; medical laser; particulate matter