Medical & Veterinary Laser ProceduresHazards of Laser Fumes

A presentation by

© 2013 Sentry Air Systems, Inc.

All Rights Reserved.

• The term “laser” stands for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.

• Ordinary light has many wavelengths and spreads in all directions. Laser light, on the other hand, has a specific wavelength.

What are Lasers?

Lasers focus in a narrow beam and create a very high-intensity light.

Types of Lasers

Class FDA

Class IEC

Laser Product Hazard Product Examples

I 1, 1M Considered non-hazardous. Hazard increases if viewed with optical aids, including magnifiers, binoculars, or telescopes.

•Laser printers•CD players•DVD players

IIa, II 2, 2M Hazard increases when viewed directly for long periods of time. Hazard increases if viewed with optical aids.

•Bar code scanners

IIIa 3R Depending on power and beam area, can be momentarily hazardous when directly viewed or when staring directly at the beam with an unaided eye. Risk of injury increases when viewed with optical aids.

•Laser pointers

IIIb 3B Immediate skin hazard from direct beam and immediate eye hazard when viewed directly.

•Laser light show•Projectors•Industrial lasers•Research lasers

IV 4 Immediate skin hazard and eye hazard from exposure to either the direct or reflected beam; may also present a fire hazard.

•Laser light show•Projectors•Industrial lasers•Research lasers•Lasers used to perform LASIK eye surgery

Laser Fumes or “Plumes”

• A term used to refer to the “cloud” of contaminants created when there is an interaction between the beam and the target matter.

• These air contaminants are mostly associated with Class 3B and 4 lasers.

• Ranges from metallic fumes and dust, to chemical fumes and aerosols containing biological contaminants.

Laser Fumes or “Plumes”

• Examples include– Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (from mode

burns on poly-type polymers)– Hydrogen cyanide and benzene (from cutting

of aromatic polyamide fibers)– Fused silica (from cutting quartz)– Heavy metals (from etching)– Benzene (from cutting polyvinyl chloride)– Cyanide, formaldehyde and synthetic and

natural fibers (associated with other processes)

• Cosmetic surgery• Refractive eye surgery • Dental procedures• General surgery• Veterinary procedures

Medical Applications

Photo source: http://www.allpetsvh.com/veterinary-services/laser-therapy.html Photo source:

http://www.dentistlasvegas-nv.com/laser-dentist/

Hazards to Avoid

• Laser Generated Airborne Contaminants (LGAC)– LGACs can form during disruption of tissue cells by heat

(lasers, electrosurgical generators), mechanical manipulation (rotary devices, saws), or ultrasonic instruments.

– This disruption can cause the release of plume, which may contain viable bacteria, viruses, cellular debris, particulates, noxious and toxic aerosols, gases, vapors, or fumes.

– Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, human papillomavirus, human immunodeficiency virus, and hepatitis B virus have been found in laser plume.

– Many different chemicals have also been found in plume including, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, toluene, styrene, phenol, benzyl cyanide, and hydrocyanic acid.

Preventative Measures

• In general, there are three major control measures available

1. Filtered ventilation units2. Respiratory protection3. Isolation of the process

Sentry Air Systems designs and manufactures laser fume extractors equipped with a variety of filters for

your unique application.

Exhaust Port Connection Mounted Fume ExtractionConnects to most laser systems

Mounted Sentry

SS-200-MSUp to 100 CFM

Mounted Sentry

SS-300-MSUp to 350 CFM

Mounted Sentry

SS-400/450-MSUp to 700/950 CFM

Source-Capture Standalone Portable Fume Extraction

Floor SentrySS-200-FSUp to 100 CFM

Portable Floor Sentry

SS-300-PFSUp to 350 CFM

Portable Floor Sentry

SS-400/450-PFSUp to 700/950 CFM

Multiple Exhaust Ports Mounted Fume Extraction

Floor Sentry Double

SS-300-FSDUp to 350 CFM

Floor Sentry Double

SS-400/450-FSDUp to 700/950 CFM

Filters

HEPA FiltersUp to 99.97% efficient

On particles 0.3 microns and larger

ULPA FiltersUp to 99.9995% efficient

On particles 0.12 microns and larger

Activated Carbon FiltersEfficiency varies per chemical

Specialty Blended FiltersEfficiency varies per chemical

Testimonial

"I have a busy laser practice in Maryland and have been using the Sentry plume extractor for nearly two years. The unit is quiet and efficient. The HEPA filter assures me that we are using the most advanced technology available to ensure patient and staff safety. I highly recommend this unit for any medical practice that desires worry free performance as an adjunct to their laser procedures."

Dr. Mark E. SpierLaser TreatmentsReisterstown, MD

Floor SentrySS-200-FSUp to 100 CFM

For more information on Sentry Air Systems’ line of Laser Fume Extractors, contact us at:

1.800.799.4609

www.sentryair.com

sales@sentryair.com

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**The presentation has been compiled in good faith by Sentry Air Systems, Inc. and no representation is made as to the completeness or accuracy of the information it contains. In particular, you should be aware that this information may be incomplete, may contain errors or may have become out of date. Sentry Air Systems, Inc. makes no commitment, and disclaims any duty, to update this information.

Resources• http://web.princeton.edu/sites/ehs/laserguide/sec2.htm• http://www.fda.gov/radiation-emittingproducts/

radiationemittingproductsandprocedures/surgicalandtherapeutic/ucm115910.htm

• http://www.lia.org/publications/ansi/Z136-3• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3050618/