Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
Published on: March 3, 2023
Frequency of respiratory function disorders among dental laboratory technicians working under conditions of high dust
A Abakay1, S Atilgan, O Abakay
1Department of Chest Diseases, School of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey. arahmanabakay@hotmail.com
Background And Objectives:
Dental laboratory technicians (DLTs) have much exposure to mineralogical dust that may have adverse effects on their lung health. The aim of our study was to investigate occupational dust exposure, and to determine the frequency of respiratory function disorders and radiologic abnormalities among DLTs.
Materials And Methods:
The study enrolled 94 DLTs who were exposed to dust in dental laboratories and 94 control subjects. Dust concentrations in the workplaces were measured.
Results:
The mean age of DLTs was 30.70 ± 9.84 years. No significant difference was found between the DLTs and the control groups for age or smoking status (p > 0.05). Spirometric values for the DLTs were found to be lower than the control group (p < 0.05). The mean working period for DLTs was 9.19±5.9 years. The pulmonary function test results for the DLTs showed that 65.9% had a normal pattern, 22.4% were restrictive, and 11.7% showed obstructive type pulmonary function disorder. Negative correlations were found between the working period time and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second in the DLTs (R = -0.675 p = 0.000). Negative correlations were also found between working period time and Forced Vital Capacity in the DLTs (R = -0.720 p = 0.000). All DLTs had chest X-rays and 16 (17%) of them showed radiological pneumoconiosis.
Conclusions:
This study showed a negative association between level of respiratory function and working period in DLTs.
Related Concept Videos
Common Respiratory Disorders
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
Other Pulmonary Disorders
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

