Gaseous and Particulate Content of Laser Tattoo Removal Plume

BACKGROUND There is increasing awareness of the potential hazards of surgical plumes. The plume associated with laser tattoo removal remains uncharacterized. OBJECTIVE To determine the gaseous, particulate, and microbiological content of the laser tattoo removal plume. MATERIALS AND METHODS Air sampling was performed during laser tattoo removal from pig skin and from patients. Measurement of metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (HS), and ultrafine particulates (UPs) as well as bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing were performed. RESULTS Metals were identified in the plume from both pig and human skin. Volatile organic compounds were found at similar levels within and outside the treatment room. Several bacterial phyla were detected in the treatment room, but not outside. High levels of UPs were measured throughout the treatment room during tattoo removal from pig skin. Ultrafine particulates were detected at low levels in the room periphery during tattoo removal from human skin, but at higher levels in the immediate treatment zone. HS and CO were not detected. CONCLUSION Metals, VOCs, HS, and CO were found at levels below applicable occupational exposure limits. The presence of bacteria is of uncertain significance, but may be hazardous. High levels of UPs require further investigation.