Hazard Identification and Physical Parameters Measurement in Dental Laboratories

Abstract

Substances such as dental materials routinely used in dental procedures such as acrylate compounds, organic solvents, disinfectants can spread into air within the dental working environment and affect the indoor air quality (IAQ). This study aimed to identify the hazards at dental laboratories and measure the physical parameters of IAQ such as particulate matter (PM), temperature and humidity. Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC) analysis was conducted during walk through survey, then the area monitoring of PM10, PM2.5, temperature and humidity was conducted using particle air counter for eight hours at each dental laboratories: Prostethic Lab, Orthodontic Lab, Maxillofacial Lab, Plaster Room, Teaching Lab 1 and Teaching Lab 2. The concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 were below the acceptable level at each laboratory except for PM10 at the Prostethic Lab (205.8 μg/m3 in 2018 and 163.0 μg/m3 in 2020) which were above 150 μg/m3 as referred to the Industry Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality 2010 by the Department of Occupational Health and Safety, Malaysia. It is important to assess the HIRARC and determine the physical parameters in dental laboratories to ensure the safety and health of the workers are guaranteed. Hence continuous monitoring and training should be conducted to ensure the prevention and control measures are efficient.