O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 3 1
Unlike surgical or laser masks,
surgical N95 respirators require a
fit test, which ensures that the
user is wearing a respirator that
provides an adequate face seal, fits
properly and offers the highest
level of protection. A properly fit-
ted surgical N95 respirator pre-
vents at least 95% of airborne parti-
cles from entering the breathing zone of the wearer. However, surgical N95 res-
pirators do not protect the wearer from gases and vapors found in surgical
smoke, highlighting the need to still insist upon the use of smoke evacuators in
the OR.
More research needed
A primary obstacle in the use of smoke evacuation devices is the lack of quan-
tifiable evidence showing exposure concentrations and the associated disease
risk. If we want working conditions in the OR to be treated as an occupational
setting, we need more research published in occupational health peer-
reviewed literature. Many articles have been published identifying potential
airborne hazards, but few have quantified those exposures or compared expo-
sure levels with and without the use of smoke evacuation devices. No studies
to date have evaluated the impact of those airborne hazards on the health of
workers exposed to them.
Surgical staff members know how they feel physically after spending a day
in the OR when smoke evacuator devices are not used. However, key deci-
sion-makers may need to review quantifiable evidence that demonstrates spe-
cific hazards and risks to healthcare workers and their patients.
The best way to improve smoke evacuation compliance is to ensure that hos-
z BREATHE EASY Educational efforts will improve
compliance with smoke evacuation protocols.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
