US EPA

5429181 

Journal Article 

Risk of Acquiring Human Papillomavirus from the Plume Produced by the Carbon Dioxide Laser in the Treatment of Warts 

Gloster HM Jr; Roenigk, RK 

1995 

Yes 

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
ISSN: 0190-9622
EISSN: 1097-6787 

32 

3 

A study was conducted on the risk of transmission of the human papilloma virus to health care personnel using laser treatment of warts due to the presence of papilloma virus DNA in the carbon-dioxide (CO2) laser plume. Surgeons using CO2 lasers to treat warts responded to a questionnaire and the incidence of warts among the surgeons was compared with referent populations and analyzed based upon length of time using laser treatment. The overall incidence rate of warts among the surgeons of 5.4% was not significantly different from that seen in referents. A significant difference was seen between surgeons and referents in the incidence of warts in each of four anatomical sites examined with surgeons demonstrating increased infections of the upper airway mucosa. No significant differences in the incidence of warts among surgeons were seen based upon the use of different types of protective devices and/or clothing. No significant associations were seen between the incidence rates and length of exposure to the CO2 laser plume. The authors conclude that the CO2 laser plume containing human papilloma virus may represent a hazard for infection of the upper airway mucosa to the surgeon.