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MAY 2017 | The Surgical Technologist | 213 Surgical Smoke: Hazards and Prevention L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S s Define surgical smoke and surgical plume s Read about how the OR personnel may be affected by surgical smoke s Recall the risks and hazards surgical smoke can cause to patients s List the methods used to reduce the risk of exposure s Identify the barriers to compliance with smoke evacuation guidelines W H A T I S I T ? S urgical smoke or surgical plume is a gaseous byproduct generated during surgical procedures. It is most commonly associated with the use of electrocautery or lasers, although it can be produced by any means in which tissues are rapidly heated and cells vaporized. Surgical smoke is composed of approximately 95% water and 5% cellular debris and other chemicals. 1 It has been shown to pose a risk for physi- cal, chemical and biological hazards for those who inhale it. The terms “smoke” and “plume” often are used synonymously, but technically there is a difference – the size of their airborne particles. Plume contains larger particles, which are thought to be more danger- ous from a biohazard standpoint, as they are capable of adhering to the lining of the upper respiratory tract. Smoke contains smaller particles, which can pass easily into the deepest regions of the lungs. These are a David Blevins , cst, csfa Surgical smoke is one of the most common hazards encoun- tered in the operating room. Unfortunately, it continues to be one of the most overlooked dangers by many surgeons and OR staff. It is critical for the surgical technologist to be aware of the dangers of surgical smoke and diligent in their efforts to helpminimize the risks.