Long-term exposure to toxins in operating rooms could increase COPD risk

Disinfectants and surgical smoke -- the gaseous by-product produced by heat-generating surgical instruments -- are among the hazardous chemicals to which physicians, nurses, and other hospital staff are exposed in operating rooms (OR) during electrosurgery and laser procedures. Long-time exposure to these chemicals in the OR may significantly increase one's risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a new study.