BOSTON (SHNS) - Dozens of nurses looking to protect themselves from surgical smoke that can cause respiratory illnesses like asthma and emphysema gathered on Beacon Hill Tuesday to promote legislation that would mandate the use of preventive equipment in operating rooms.

Sen. Jo Comerford's bill (S 1482) requires smoke-evacuation systems in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers for procedures that generate smoke. The Senate bill is in Senate Ways and Means after receiving a favorable recommendation from the Public Health Committee on July 10. The House companion bill (H 2442) remains before the Public Health Committee with an Oct. 9 deadline for a recommendation.

The legislation is a priority for members of American Nurses Association Massachusetts, which says nurses are exposed to c

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