Oral conditions among German battery factory workers

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the oral health situation of workers in a modern battery factory; in particular, to describe the prevalence and the severity of dental erosion and attrition in relation to exposure of airborne acids in the work environment. Measurements of the work environment at a German battery factory showed that the workers were exposed to sulfuric acids (0.4-4.1 mg/cm3). All workers at the factory were included in the survey and a total of 61 dentate individuals completed a questionnaire on their work environment, dental health, and symptoms from the mouth, nose, and throat. Information on oral health status, erosion, and attrition was collected by clinical examinations. Nearly all workers reported exposure to etching substances in their work environment: 56% complained of sharp and thin teeth and 29% of short teeth. Poor dental health conditions were observed (e.g. mean D-T = 3.8); the mean number of teeth with crown restoration was 5.3. The prevalence of erosion was 31% and 92% were affected by attrition. Erosion was found only in front teeth while attrition also occurred in posterior teeth. Due to the high level of crown restorations a rather moderate dose-effect relationship was observed. In conclusion, severe erosion and attrition due to sulfuric acid mists should be recognized as an occupational disease.