Investigation of lung function among dental laboratory technicians

Abstract

Occupational exposures of dental laboratory technicians (inhalation of dusts from grinding and polishing of alloys, resins, ceramics, and disturbance of olfaction by methylmethacrylate monomer) may have adverse effects on their health. The study's objective is to analyze the lung function of dental laboratory technicians and to assess the influence of air quality from dental technology laboratories on it. The lung function was appreciated by spirometric testing (Cosmed Pony FX Desktop Spirometer,), with help of 2 parameters: forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory flow in one second (FEV1). The results show that, duration of employment, hence occupational exposure is associated with a decrease in FEV1/FVC ratio.