| Document ID (ISN) | 103638 |
| CIS number |
04-636 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0829-0369 - Travail et santé |
| Year |
2003 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Frenette Y. |
| Title |
Surgical smoke: Are you aware of the risks? |
| Original title |
Les fumées chirurgicales, connaissez-vous les risques? [in French] |
| Bibliographic information |
Dec. 2003, Vol.19, No.4, p.34-39. Illus. 8 ref. |
| Abstract |
The use of lasers in surgery is growing rapidly. However, when used on human tissues, these lasers vaporize cells and give rise to what is known as surgical smoke. The presence of viruses and bacteria in this smoke has been confirmed in several studies; furthermore, during the treatment of cancers using lasers, viable cancer cells were also detected. More than 80 chemicals have been found in surgical smoke, many of them harmful. Surgical smoke particles are respirable and can cause emphysema, bronchitis and pneumonia. The article describes a study on the decomposition products detected during laser treatment of pig skin, used for simulating human skin. Finally, the importance of proper ventilation and the use of masks are emphasised. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
lasers; smoke; cancer; risk factors; health hazards; biological hazards; health care personnel |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
bacteria; viruses; harmful substances; bronchitis; animal experiments; respirable dust; ventilation; particulate removing respirators; pneumonia |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | Canada |
| Subject(s) |
Commerce, services, offices
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Biological hazards
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Health care services
Lasers
Biological hazards
|
