What is the first line of defense against laser generated airborne contaminants?

Local exhaust ventilation serves as the first line of defense against laser-generated airborne contaminants. This system is designed to effectively capture and remove harmful particles and gases at their source, reducing the concentration of contaminants in the air before they can spread throughout the environment. By drawing contaminated air away from the workplace and filtering it or expelling it outdoors, local exhaust ventilation helps to maintain a safer breathing zone for both the practitioner and the clients.

While personal protective equipment provides a necessary level of safety, it does not eliminate airborne contaminants but rather offers a barrier to protect individuals from exposure. Air filters can improve air quality but often function as a secondary measure, addressing contaminants after they have entered the environment. Hand sanitizers are essential for reducing microbial load on surfaces and skin but do not directly deal with airborne contaminants at all. Therefore, local exhaust ventilation is the most effective initial strategy for managing airborne risks associated with laser procedures.