HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed a bipartisan bill on Tuesday aimed at protecting healthcare workers from the harmful effects of surgical smoke in operating rooms. The legislation, House Bill 27 (H.B. 27), was sponsored by Rep. Tarik Khan, D-Phila., and Rep. Tim Bonner, R-Butler/Mercer, and now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
H.B. 27 seeks to amend the Health Care Facilities Act to require the use of surgical smoke evacuation systems in operating rooms across Pennsylvania. Surgical smoke, created by high-heat tools such as lasers and electrosurgical devices, poses documented health risks to healthcare providers. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), surgical smoke can contain over 150 hazardous chemicals, including toxic gases, viruses, and bacteria. Studies have shown that inhaling the smoke produced by burning 1 gram of tissue is equivalent to breathing in up to six cigarettes, with daily exposure in an operating room equating to smoking 27-30 cigarettes.
“As a nurse, I know the serious and sometimes catastrophic realities of toxic smoke exposure. Hospitals should be healing environments in safe spaces,” said Rep. Khan. “I’m thankful for the bipartisan support this bill has received. I’m proud to coauthor this bipartisan bill with Rep. Bonner to protect healthcare workers and patients from surgical smoke, and I look forward to getting this across the finish line!”
Seventeen other states have already enacted similar legislation requiring surgical smoke evacuation systems, demonstrating the importance of reducing health risks for operating room workers. The bill aims to safeguard Pennsylvania’s healthcare facilities by aligning them with these established best practices.
“The House of Representatives showed strong bipartisan support in passing legislation to protect medical workers from dangerous surgical smoke created in the surgical process through laser surgery, power tools, and cauterization,” said Rep. Bonner. “Surgical workers are needlessly exposed to toxic fumes that can be easily addressed through smoke control systems which will hopefully be required in surgical rooms. It was a pleasure to work with Rep. Khan in passing this legislation.”
The bill’s passage in the House reflects broad bipartisan agreement on the importance of workplace safety for healthcare professionals as they care for patients. With strong scientific evidence supporting action to mitigate surgical smoke exposure, the legislation represents a significant step toward ensuring healthier conditions for those working in surgical environments.
Now heading to the Senate for further deliberation, H.B. 27 has the potential to position Pennsylvania as a leader in healthcare worker safety. If approved, it would help create a safer environment for healthcare professionals while reducing the spread of harmful particles and illnesses stemming from surgical procedures.
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