Background:

Medical residents in operating rooms present signs and symptoms associated with occupational exposure to surgical smoke.

Objective:

To determine the incidence and relative risk of developing signs and symptoms associated with surgical smoke exposure in medical residents.

Methodology:

A cohort study was conducted with medical residents exposed and unexposed to surgical smoke. Data collection was conducted in two moments, over four months, using a questionnaire containing items on sociodemographic and occupational characteristics and surgical smoke-related signs and symptoms and protective measures.

Results:

The most frequent signs and symptoms in those exposed compared to those unexposed to surgical smoke were foreign body sensation in the throat, burning sensation in the pharynx, irritation of other mucous membranes, and nasopharyngeal lesions. The use of protective eyewear was a protective factor for those exposed (p = 0.01).

Conclusion:

Surgical smoke-related signs and symptoms are higher in medical residents exposed than in those unexposed. The relative risk of developing signs and symptoms is always higher for those exposed.

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