Characterizing exposures during laser tattoo removal in a hospital dermatology center (superseded).

Details

• Personal Author:
  Glassford, Eric ; Grant, Michael P. ; Green, Brett J. ; Lemons, Angela R.
• Description:
  This document has been superseded and the new version can be found here. The Health Hazard Evaluation Program received a request from the manager of a dermatology center at a hospital who was concerned about dermatologist's exposures to the plume created during laser tattoo removal. We assessed exposures to metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particles, bacteria, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen sulfide. We also observed work practices and airflow patterns. We found low levels of some metals, volatile organic compounds, bacteria, and particles in our air samples. Particle concentrations were higher in the air around the dermatologist, close to the laser tattoo process as compared to other areas within the patient room, and laser tattoo emissions did not migrate out of the patient room. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulfide were not found at any time during the tattoo removals. We found laser eyewear needed replacing, improper use of the "laser in use" signs, and the voluntary use masks available to employees were not certified by NIOSH. We recommend the employer strengthen the laser safety program with accurate use of the "laser in use" signs, replace damaged laser protective eyewear, and contact the manufacturer to establish shelf lives and best practices for cleaning and care. We also recommended they discontinue use of surgical masks for respiratory protection, and only use respirators certified by NIOSH.
• Subjects:
  Accidents, Occupational Hazardous Substances Manufacturing And Industrial Facilities Metals Metal Workers Occupational Health Preceptorship Safety Ventilation
• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Offices Of Physicians [except Mental Health Specialists] Bacteria Dermatology Eye Protection Eye Protective Equipment Eye Safety Fungi Health Care Health Care Facilities Health Care Personnel Health Care Workers Laser Medical Personnel Microorganisms Organic Compounds Particles Particulates Personal Protective Equipment Physicians PPE Protective Equipment Region 1 Tattoo Removal VOCs Volatile Organic Compounds Volatiles

  More +
• DOI:
  https://doi.org/10.26616/NIOSHHHE201700063319
• Publisher:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Document Type:
  Text
• Genre:
  Field Studies ; Health Hazard Evaluation
• Place as Subject:
  Massachusetts ; Ohio ; OSHA Region 1 ; OSHA Region 5
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Division:
  DSHEFS - Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies ; HELD - Health Effects Laboratory Division
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Pages in Document:
  1-37
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20051676
• Citation:
  Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HHE 2017-0006-3319, 2018 May; :1-37
• CAS Registry Number:
  Carbon monoxide (CAS RN 630-08-0) ; Hydrogen sulfide (CAS RN 7783-06-4)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2018
• NORA Priority Area:
  Services
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• NAICS and SIC Codes:
  621111 - Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists) - (NAICS)
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:87505d82463dae956093340ec12fa192df64e64f0fc5af29cdfd0f3846f4d764d49932980e14d0a6cd0640d66a1ac55bed50d35b3c7568bd479c5e2e10786150
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/181726/cdc_181726_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 2.42 MB ]