Daily surgical smoke inhalation in the operating room is equivalent to smoking 27 to 30 unfiltered cigarettes, the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses told ABC Action News.
Three things to know about surgical smoke:
1. Smoke from surgical tools that cauterize or vaporize tissue can move up to 40 miles per hour and contain toxic chemicals operating room masks can't filter, Stryker Brand Manager Nick MeGinnis said in an interview with ABC Action News.
2. Rhode Island became the first state to ban smoke in the OR, after nurses, surgeons and clinicians raised concerns about respiratory issues.
3. Some Tampa Bay, Fla.-based hospitals have adopted technology that catches the smoke and vacuums it out so that it never escapes the surgical site.
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