Surgical smoke
In 2010 the RCN surveyed its members on exposure to surgical smoke. The body of evidence on the health effects of surgical smoke fumes has been growing since the 1970s and nurses from the North American Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses are campaigning for improvements and standards on surgical smoke exposure.
A total of 129 members responded to the surgical smoke questionnaire. 92% of those were exposed to smoke from diathermy or laser fumes.
Key findings include:
- Just under 10% had experienced health problems that they believed were associated with exposure to smoke generated by diathermy or lasers. Health problems ranged from irritation of the upper respiratory tract e.g. itchy and tired eyes or dry throat and coughing to lower respiratory tract problems e.g. asthma, breathing problems and recurrent chest infections.
- 43% respondents reported that there were no COSHH or risk assessments in place on surgical smoke/diathermy fumes in their workplace, although 40% reported not knowing whether assessments existed or not.
- 47% respondents reported that their employer had taken measures to reduce the risks of surgical smoke where they work. 23% did not know.
- Measures used included central smoke evacuations systems, portable smoke evacuation units, wall suction with in line filter, laproscopic evacuation/filtration system and high filtration surgical masks.
- There appeared to be a variation in policies on the use of measures for example, 20% reported that portable smoke evacuation units were used for all procedures and 59% reported that they were used only when the assessment indicated a risk with the procedure or patient. Conversely, wall suction with inline filters was used for all procedures in 21% of responses and only when the assessment indicated a risk with the procedure or patient in 13% of cases.
- The majority of respondents (92%) reported that they did not have occupational health check in relation to exposure to surgical smoke/diathermy fumes.
Further information on diathermy emission and surgical smoke can be found at: