Medicine
Surgical Smoke Evacuation: Hazards and Mitigation Techniques
Quick fact
Surgical smoke can carry up to 1 million particles per cubic centimeter, and it contains chemicals like benzene (a known carcinogen) and viable viruses such as HIV and HPV.
Why this is interesting
Every time a surgeon uses an electrocautery device, a toxic cloud is produced that can be inhaled by the entire operating team—yet many are unaware of the risk. What is in that plume, and how can we protect ourselves?