The effects of laser smoke on the lungs of rats.

The sequelae of long-term inhalation of carbon dioxide laser smoke on 10 white rats were studied in a three-phase experiment. The fine particulate matter resulting from tissue vaporization was deposited in the animals' alveoli, which produced congestive interstitial pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and emphysema. The pathologic findings induced by laser plume are not dissimilar to those resulting from the long-term inhalation of other types of particulate matter. Use of an efficient smoke evacuator should offer substantial protection against these normal effects.