Limiting Exposure to Smoke during Surgical Procedures
After getting approved last year in the House but dying in the Senate, a proposal aimed at limiting exposure to smoke during surgical procedures has re-emerged for the 2025 legislative session.
What is Surgical Smoke?
Surgical smoke is the aerosol byproduct created when lasers, electrosurgical equipment or other energy-creating devices with high amounts of heat are used to break down human tissue or blood vessels.
Risks Associated with Surgical Smoke
A staff analysis of last year’s bill said surgical smoke “contains chemicals, blood and tissue particles, bacteria, and viruses” that can pose risks to people working in operating rooms because of long-term exposure.
New Proposal to Limit Exposure to Smoke
Rep. Marie Woodson, D-Hollywood, on Monday filed a bill (HB 103) that would require hospitals and other facilities where surgeries are performed to use “smoke evacuation” systems during procedures that are likely to create smoke.
Previous Attempt to Pass the Proposal
The House voted 115-1 to approve the proposal during the 2024 session, but the issue did not make it through the Senate. The 2025 session will start March 4.
Conclusion
The proposal aims to reduce the risks associated with surgical smoke by requiring hospitals and facilities to use smoke evacuation systems during procedures that are likely to create smoke. This is a crucial step towards ensuring the health and safety of medical professionals and patients alike.
FAQs
Q: What is surgical smoke?
A: Surgical smoke is the aerosol byproduct created when lasers, electrosurgical equipment or other energy-creating devices with high amounts of heat are used to break down human tissue or blood vessels.
Q: What are the risks associated with surgical smoke?
A: Surgical smoke contains chemicals, blood and tissue particles, bacteria, and viruses that can pose risks to people working in operating rooms because of long-term exposure.
Q: What is the proposed solution to limit exposure to smoke?
A: The proposal would require hospitals and facilities where surgeries are performed to use “smoke evacuation” systems during procedures that are likely to create smoke.
Q: What happened to the proposal last year?
A: The House voted 115-1 to approve the proposal during the 2024 session, but the issue did not make it through the Senate.
