Composition of volatile organic compounds in diathermy plume as detected by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry.

Background: There is some evidence that surgical plume may pose a risk to health professionals, but the risks posed by volatile organic compounds have not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods: The composition of volatile organic compounds in diathermy plume produced during surgery was analysed by selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry.

Results: Hydrogen cyanide (3-51 parts per million), acetylene (2-8 parts per million), and 1,3-butadiene (0.