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Document ID (ISN)112251
CIS number 12-0025
ISSN - Serial title 0339-6517 - Documents pour le médecin du travail
Year 2011
Convention or series no. TC 137
Author(s) Eickmann U., Falcy M., Fokuhl I., Rüegger M., Bloch M.
Title Surgical smoke: Hazards and preventive measures
Original title Fumées chirurgicales. Risques et mesures de prévention [in French]
Bibliographic information 3rd Quarter 2011, No.127, p.383-395. 61 ref.
Internet access Fumées_chirurgicales_[INTERNET_FREE_ACCESS] [in French]
Abstract Surgery techniques that use heat or ultrasonics expose operators to pyrolysis products. These fumes contain mixtures of various substances which may include biologically-active substances, carcinogens, mutagens and reprotoxic. Acute poisoning symptoms include migraine, weakness, nausea, and irritation of the eyes and respiratory system. There is a lack of epidemiological studies on the risks of surgical smoke to operator health. Preventive measures rely on collective protection (smoke aspiration, mechanical ventilation of the work environment), organization (information and training of personnel) and, where required, the use of personal protective equipment.
Descriptors (primary) smoke; operating theatres; lasers; surgical treatment; information of personnel; limitation of exposure; safe working methods; health hazards
Descriptors (secondary) irritants; teratogens; mutagens; carcinogens; aerosols; migraine; fatigue; local exhaust; personal protective equipment
Document type D - Periodical articles
Subject(s) Toxic and dangerous substances
Commerce, services, offices
Broad subject area(s) Chemical safety
Biological hazards
Browse category(ies) Health care services
Air pollution
Risk evaluation