Surgical smoke is deadly, the data is now pouring in. Carcinogenic plume is released into the air when electrocautery is used in surgery, creating an even more hazardous work environment for surgeons, nurses, surgical technologists, anesthesiologists and CRNAs. There are several serious health risks linked to surgical plume, and while smoke evacuators are available, there is often a budgetary or cultural hurdle to using safety equipment. OR managers and CFOs as well as occupational health can prevent workplace illness and protect their staff from toxic fumes.