Using microspheres of human albumin sprayed on the face and in the
nostrils under the facemask, we studied the role of conversation in
contaminating the operating-room environment in addition to the microbial
contamination of the air in an empty and in an occupied operating room.
Conversation consistently increased the number of microspheres found in the
simulated wound. The spatial relationship between the mask and the hood was
important in reducing contamination. A complete hood overlapping the mask,
with no gaps at the sides or bottom of the mask, was most efficient. The
air contamination was increased by the presence of operating-room personnel
and varied in different parts of the theater according to the density of
traffic. We concluded that conversation contributes to airborne
contamination in the operating theater but that contamination from this
source can be lessened by wearing a face-mask that extends underneath an
overlapping hood.