Which precaution should be taken when working with polymethyl methacrylate as a bone cement?

When working with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as a bone cement, removing contact lenses is crucial because PMMA can indeed melt lenses, which poses a significant risk of corneal burns and serious eye injuries. This is due to the exothermic reaction that occurs during the polymerization of PMMA, generating heat that can affect soft materials, including contact lenses. Thus, ensuring the safety of the surgical team and the patient requires this precaution to prevent prolonged exposure of the eyes to hazardous materials.

Other options discuss interactions with latex, allergies, and surgical sponges, but they do not highlight the immediate and severe risk posed by PMMA to contact lenses, making option B the most critical precaution in this context.