Background: Occupational exposures to ultrafine particles in the plume generated during laser hair removal\nprocedures, the most commonly performed light based cosmetic procedure, have not been thoroughly characterized.\nAcute and chronic exposures to ambient ultrafine particles have been associated with a number of negative respiratory\nand cardiovascular health effects. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure airborne concentrations of particles in a\ndiameter size range of 10 nm to 1 Ã?¼m in procedure rooms during laser hair removal procedures.\nMethods: TSI Model 3007 Condensation Particle Counters were used to quantify the particle count concentrations in\nthe waiting and procedure rooms of a dermatology office. Particle concentrations were sampled before, during, and\nafter laser hair removal procedures, and characteristics of each procedure were noted by the performing dermatologist.\nResults: Twelve procedures were sampled over 4 days. Mean ultrafine particle concentrations in the waiting and\nprocedure rooms were 14,957.4 particles/cm3 and 22,916.8 particles/cm3 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Compared to\nbackground ultrafine particle concentrations before the procedure, the mean concentration in the procedure room\nwas 2.89 times greater during the procedure (p = 0.009) and 2.09 times greater after the procedure (p = 0.007). Duration\nof procedure (p = 0.006), body part (p = 0.013), and the use of pre-laser lotion/type of laser (p = 0.039), were the most\nimportant predictors of ultrafine particle concentrations. Use of a smoke evacuator (a recommended form of local\nexhaust ventilation) positioned at 30.5 cm from the source, as opposed to the recommended 1ââ?¬â??2 in., lowered particle\nconcentrations, but was not a statistically significant predictor (p = 0.49).\nConclusions: Laser hair removal procedures can generate high exposures to ultrafine particles for dermatologists and\nother individuals performing laser hair removal, with exposure varying based on multiple determinants.
Loading....