November 6, 2023- The dangers surrounding surgical smoke have raised awareness on legal and administrative levels, appearing in legislative bills and leading conversations at perioperative conferences across the country.
Why? Because clinically accredited articles support the claim that surgical smoke is hazardous to health.
Over the last decade, the perception of surgical smoke has transitioned from a mere annoyance to a considerable health risk for everyone in the operating room.
With 90% of procedures generating surgical smoke, over 500,000 healthcare workers are exposed annually. Surgical smoke particles contain over 150 chemicals known to be carcinogenic, or to cause lung, heart, or brain damage. And despite once believing standard surgical masks protect us, data suggest they offer little protection with 77% of surgical smoke particles penetrating the mask.
These alarming discoveries have increased motivation to pursue stronger protection measures, including a mandate for smoke evacuators in operating environments. Designed to reduce the concentration of smoke from electrocautery devices, smoke evacuators minimize risks associated with smoke plume.
The benefits? A safer surgical suite, free from the hazards of surgical plume and a healthier and happier OR staff.
Nurses are leading this charge, promoting the implementation of smoke evacuation policies. But some efforts have been met with resistance. Obstacles include lack of awareness, cost or resource constraints, and plain old opposition to change.