"Smoking guns": hazards generated by laser and electrocautery smoke.

The smoke generated by laser surgery and electrocautery may contain significant amounts of toxic, carcinogenic, and infectious gases and particles. Although there is little scientific data on the actual type and extent of the hazards related to exposure, considering the potential for irreversible health damage, safety measures should not be delayed. All potentially exposed persons (including patients, medical, and cleaning staff) should be acquainted with the possible health and occupational hazards related to smoke from electrocautery and laser surgery procedures.