Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings—2003
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Slide 96: Laser/Electrosurgery Plumes and Surgical Smoke
Slide Text
- Destruction of tissue creates smoke that may contain harmful
by-products
- Infectious materials (HSV, HPV) may contact mucous membranes of nose
- No evidence of HIV/HBV transmission
- Need further studies
Speaker Notes
Lasers or electrosurgical units can cause thermal destruction of tissue and create a smoke by-product containing toxic gases and vapors such as benzene; dead and live cellular material (including blood fragments), and viruses.
One concern is that aerosolized infectious material, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and human papillomavirus (HPV) in the laser plume may contact the nasal mucosa of the laser operator and nearby DHCP.
No evidence exists that HIV or HBV have been transmitted via aerosolization and inhalation.
Until studies have fully evaluated the risk for DHCP from exposure to laser plumes and electrosurgery smoke, it might be practical to follow National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations (see guidelines). Use of precautions beyond Standard Precautions is an unresolved issue in dentistry.
Page last reviewed: September 22, 2009
Page last modified: April 26, 2005
Content source:
Division of Oral Health,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion
