The Evaluation of Concentration of Harmful Chemical Pollutants in Fume Caused by Surgical Cauterization in Hospital Surgery Rooms Related to Pharmacological Aspects

Background: Harmful chemical pollutants of pharmaceutical origin present in the environmental pollutants especially surgical room may have the same toxic specifications of chemicals from industrial sources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration of harmful chemical pollutants in fume caused by surgical cauterization in hospital surgery rooms.

Methods: This is a quantitative, cross-sectional and practical study. The study population consisted of all personnel who are working in hospital surgery rooms. Samples were prepared according to NIOSH standard method. The tool for data collection is Occupational Exposure Limits booklet (OEL).

Sample Size: 30 samples were required according to surgery room conditions. In order to evaluate and measure the concentration of workplace air pollutants and individual exposure to them, the individual sampling method is used compliant with the standard procedures of the NIOSH or OSHA organizations, that according to the type of material and for each material, a particular method is mentioned and has a specific code. In this study, NIOSH Organization Method No. 1501 was used. The data were analyzed based on the data obtained from sampling and comparing them with the allowed limits.

Results: In this study, the organic aromatic hydrocarbons including, Benzene, Ethylbenzene, Toluene and Xylene were investigated and fortunately, in all samples, these pollutants are below the permitted level.

Conclusion: According to the results, the measured concentration of pollutants are less than the allowed limit. It is also recommended that other pollutants be evaluated at any time in order to gain the necessary knowledge of the personnel exposure status.