Surgical smoke plume is a hazardous byproduct of operative procedures known to contain harmful gases, minute particles, and microorganisms. Inhalation of this plume by clinicians and patients has been well documented as a hazard to their health and well-being. Internationally many standards and mandates exist to protect medical staff and patients from exposure to these plumes. However, in many countries including the United States, adherence to these standards remains at unacceptable levels. The need for further studies, lack of education, and dissemination of the educational information that already exists are some of the causes for the lack of full compliance.
A new non- profit council has recently formed with a mission to finally rid the world’s operating environments of surgical smoke plume once and for all. With the participation of key clinical stakeholders, clinician based organizations, industry partners, and standard setting bodies, this new consensus body is known as the International Council on Surgical Plume (ICSP). The charter of this council is to provide education, aid in the creation of new clinical studies, drive regulatory reform, and advocate enforcement of existing mandates related to surgical plume throughout the world.
With the formation of the ICSP, surgical stakeholders can join in one voice to advocate for clearer mandates, better dissemination of existing studies, construct meaningful new studies that resonate with those not yet advocating for plume management, and review of new and existing clinical information for scientific credibility.
Individual clinicians, clinical organizations, educators, safety advocates, standard setting bodies, and other surgical team members are encouraged to join in this effort to rid surgical environments of the hazards associated with plume inhalation. To learn more about the ICSP, visit
Source: International Council on Surgical Plume
