Presence of viable virus particles in laser plume after CO2 laser
ablation/resurfacing is well documented. What evidence is there that viable
virus would be present in plume from hair? This is a different matter and
you cannot extrapolate directly from the quoted study.
Sarah A. Pape, Consultant Plastic Surgeon,
RVI, Newcastle upon Tyne
-----Original Message-----
From: British Medical Laser Association [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Chris Edwards
Sent: 05 December 2002 08:53
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: hair removal and masks
Dear Harry
You may be interested in the following extract. It is from a useful site
called Medscape, in the dermatology section. I know this article does not
directly address hair removal, but the principles are, I think, relevant to
any plume-generating laser procedure.
The article follows:
"NEW YORK (Reuters Health) Dec 04 - The plume liberated by laser treatment
from tissue infected with bovine papillomavirus can transmit the infection,
according to a report in the October Archives of Dermatology.
Laser treatment of targeted tissue can release a plume of smoke containing
debris and vapor, the authors explain, and numerous
microorganisms--including human and bovine papillomavirus, bacteriophages,
and HIV--have been recovered from such plumes.
Dr. Jerome Garden from Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois and
colleagues tested whether such plumes could transmit disease. They exposed
bovine papillomavirus cutaneous lesions to carbon dioxide laser, suctioned
the plume produced, and reinoculating the plume material into the skin of
calves.
All laser plume samples contained substantial amounts of BPV DNA, the
authors report, and comparison of the DNA with that from control BPV virions
confirmed that the viral DNA was intact.
Two of 3 calves injected with control BPV concentrate developed lesions, the
results indicate, and both of these calves also developed lesions at laser
plume inoculation sites for a range of laser settings.
By histology, the lesions produced by the inoculations were typical of BPV
fibropapillomas, the researchers note, and DNA extracts from the tumors
contained high levels of BPV DNA.
"[Previous] studies and the findings in the present study increase the
concern surrounding the use of aerosol-producing lasers in the treatment of
virally induced lesions and virally infected (or potentially infected)
patients," the investigators write. "With HPV and the human immunodeficiency
virus already detected in laser plume, it is possible that other viruses,
such as hepatitis, may also be liberated in the plume during laser use."
Citing one report of the development of laryngeal papillomatosis in a
surgeon who treats anogenital condylomata by laser, the authors conclude,
"It is even more relevant, with the proved potential for disease
transmission, that safety precautions during laser surgery be strictly
maintained."
Arch Dermatol 2002;138:1303-1307
Reference: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/445659
Chris Edwards
-----Original Message-----
From: Harry Moseley [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 03 December 2002 17:09
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: hair removal and masks
Dear all
An issue has arisen regarding the need for the operator to wear
masks during laser hair removal. The concern was with respect to
hydrocarbons created in burning hair, and there may be other
agents that practioners need protection against. Does anyone have
any data that might inform this discussion? While I have no
objection to anyone wearing a mask who wants to, this should only
be a requirement if there is good reason to support this.
Regards
Harry
Dr Harry Moseley
Consultant Medical Physicist
The Photobiology Unit
University of Dundee
Ninewells Hospital & Medical School
Dundee DD1 9SY
United Kingdom
Tel. (0)1382 632240
Fax. (0)1382 646047
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