Surgical plume in dermatology: an insidious and often overlooked hazard
Tamara Searle, Faisal R. Ali, Firas Al‐Niaimi
Abstract
Dermatologists performing surgical procedures face occupational and health hazards when exposed to surgical plume released during electrosurgical and ablative laser procedures. These hazardous fumes have toxic, infectious and carcinogenic effects. Understanding this risk is of particular importance during the COVID-19 pandemic as the understanding of the transmissibility and infectious nature of the virus is still evolving rapidly. In this article, we present the hazards from laser and surgical plumes, and discuss possible preventative measures aimed at reducing these risks.
Topics & Concepts
MedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)Hazardous wasteOccupational exposureHazardHealth hazardPandemicDermatologySurgeryIntensive care medicineEnvironmental healthPathologyInfectious disease (medical specialty)DiseaseWaste managementChemistryOrganic chemistryEngineeringCOVID-19 and healthcare impactsInfection Control and VentilationBody Contouring and Surgery