Safe Working Environment
Monomer fume levels
When mixing cement, care should be taken to avoid excessive exposure to monomer vapours, as they may irritate the respiratory tract and the eyes. Monomer exposure is regulated by law in many countries.
Modern vacuum mixing systems
Environmental and legal concerns over the hazards of handling bone cement have led to the development of modern cementing systems. Mixing systems are now designed to reduce the levels of monomer exposure in the OR and to minimize contact with the cement.
For more information, please see closed mixing and delivery system.
Smell is no indicator
Even if exposure levels are much lower than those established by law, you may still smell the monomer. You are in fact able to smell monomer even when the level is 100 times less than the established safe working limit. Intensity of odour does not correlate to level of monomer exposure.
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