Chemical Hazards in Dental Laboratories

Various materials are used in dental laboratories for manufacturing crowns and bridges, chromium-cobalt frameworks, acrylic dentures, and other dental products. Among these, precious and non-precious alloys, porcelain, methyl methacrylate, and a variety of impression materials are the most common. The use of these materials has caused respiratory diseases, dermatological problems and neurotoxicity among dental technicians. Several cases of respiratory disorders have been reported among the members of this profession and epidemiological studies have shown a high prevalence of pneumoconiosis related to duration of exposure. Since exposure is not limited to one substance, combined exposure to several contaminants may be responsible for the pneumoconiosis. The number of environmental investigations is limited and in many cases available studies do not provide adequate information about exposure of dental technicians to airborne contaminants. Further investigation is required in dental laboratories to characterise the type and level of contamination. Adequate and efficient protection should be considered for this profession to prevent occupationally related disorders.