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A method for measuring the potential dermal exposure to methyl methacrylate during two different dental technical
Ingrid E Liljelind1, Kare A Eriksson, Leif O Nilsson
1Occupational Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umea University, S-901 87, Umea, Sweden. ingrid.liljelind@envmed.umu.se
Journal of Environmental Monitoring : JEM
|May 7, 2005
Summary
Dental technicians face daily skin exposure to methyl methacrylate (MMA). This study developed a patch technique to measure MMA on hands during dental tasks, revealing work-dependent exposure differences.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dental Technology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Dental technicians regularly handle undiluted methyl methacrylate (MMA).
- Clinical effects of MMA are known, but dermal exposure levels remain unquantified.
- Lack of standardized methods for assessing skin exposure to MMA in dental settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a patch-sampling technique for quantifying dermal MMA exposure.
- To investigate MMA exposure patterns on different hand and arm areas during specific dental tasks.
- To compare dermal exposure between making orthodontic splints and denture preparation.
Main Methods:
- A novel patch-sampling method was employed to capture MMA on skin surfaces.
- Two simulated dental work tasks (orthodontic splint, denture preparation) were performed by technicians.
- Simultaneous air monitoring was conducted alongside dermal sampling.
Main Results:
- Dermal MMA exposure patterns varied significantly between the two work tasks.
- Differences in MMA levels were observed across various hand and arm locations, and between left and right hands.
- A positive correlation was found between airborne MMA concentrations and dermal exposure levels.
Conclusions:
- Work task and hand-specific variability are critical factors in assessing dental technician MMA exposure.
- The developed patch-sampling technique provides a valuable tool for occupational exposure assessment.
- Further workplace and experimental studies are necessary to establish dermal exposure limits for MMA.