MHA member hospitals have committed to eliminating surgical smoke in their facilities by 2024.
Surgical smoke is produced by the destruction of tissue by use of lasers or electrosurgical devices. Research studies confirm that surgical smoke can contain toxic gases and vapors such as benzene, hydrogen cyanide, formaldehyde, and bioaerosols, as well dead and live material, including blood tissue particles, bacteria, and viruses. Read more about the announcement here.
RESOURCES
WEBINAR (+ slides): Elimination of Surgical Smoke
This preliminary webinar is intended to help provide facilities with tools, resources, and case studies to fulfill the mission. Presentation slides can be viewed here.