Prevalence of respiratory abnormalities and pneumoconiosis in dental laboratory technicians

A preventable occupational disease, pneumoconiosis that is often widespread on to a very kind of quartz, carbon and metal dust exposed work place.The data for the prevalence of pneumoconiosis and respiratory findings among dental laboratory technician is insufficient. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of pneumoconiosis and respiratory findings among dental laboratory technicians, working in province of Sivas. For this reason all the dental technicians (except 2, totally 36) participated in the study. A questionnaire which contains demographic characteristics, work conditions and symptoms were applied to all participants. Also spirometric measurements and chest x-rays were performed. The x-rays of dental technicians were evaluated by a radiologist and a chest disease specialist according to the ILO-2000 classification of pneumoconiosis. Almost half of the all participants have dyspnea and phlegm expectoration. The prevalence of pneumoconiosis was 5 (13.8%) among 36 dental technicians. There were no statistically significant differences between two groups with regard to respiratory symptoms. Values of lung function parameters of the dental technician group were not significantly different from those of control group except FEV(1). In conclusion, dental laboratory technicians are at significant risks for occupational respiratory diseases so the primary prevention rules are essential for these work places.