The hazards of diathermy plume. Part 2. Producing quantified data.

Laser and electrocautery devices used during surgery produce smoky emissions that may contain vapours and particulate aerosols, which can have a chemical and biological impact on those exposed. A group of theatre staff and specialist nurses at Rotherham District General Hospital got together to draw up a risk assessment into the possible occupational exposure of theatre staff, with a view to eliminating or controlling these hazards as far as possible.