학술논문
Mercury air, urine monitoring and health effects on occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers in Delhi, India.
Document Type
Article
Author
Source
Subject
*Risk assessment
*Occupational diseases
*Work environment
*Statistical sampling
*Questionnaires
*Descriptive statistics
*Dentists
*Industrial hygiene
*Industrial safety
Air analysis
Occupational disease risk factors
Mercury analysis
Dental clinics
Dental fillings
Cross-sectional method
Public hospitals
Pearson correlation (Statistics)
Proprietary hospitals
T-test (Statistics)
Mercury
Dental amalgams
Tremor
Chi-squared test
Dental therapists
Surveys
Urinalysis
Occupational exposure
Cognition disorders
Mass spectrometry
Spasms
Data analysis software
Comparative studies
Memory disorders
Symptoms
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Language
ISSN
1051-9815
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mercury (Hg) is a toxic heavy metal with multiple uses in various medical devices. Hg is used in dentistry as a restorative material. Such use creates significant exposure to dental practitioners. Hence, it is important to assess the risk created by Hg use in healthcare. OBJECTIVE: To quantify airborne Hg vapour exposure and Hg levels in dental healthcare workers, and determine the association of various symptoms and diseases to Hg exposure. METHODS: Air monitoring of Hg vapours were conducted in dental clinics and amalgam rooms. Urine samples were collected from occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers and urine Hg levels were measured. A cross-sectional health survey was conducted in 23 healthcare units of Delhi to determine an association between Hg exposure and various health effects. RESULTS: Hg vapour concentration ranged from 0.96μg/m3 to 15μg/m3, the highest concentration was recorded in the amalgam room (15μg/m3). Urine Hg levels in healthcare workers (0.51±0.17μg/L) were higher than the control (0.29±0.05μg/L). A cross-sectional health survey revealed a significant prevalence of confusion, forgetfulness, muscle spasm, and tremors by the respondents. CONCLUSION: Hg concentration in dental clinics may hover above the prescribed safe levels posing a definitive health risk to healthcare workers. Urinary Hg measurements did not reveal an excess of body burden except in one case. Since Hg bio accumulates, it is probable as these workers grow older, they may end up with a higher body burden of Hg that may lead to a variety of adverse health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]