Investigation of morphological abnormalities in red blood cells among dental laboratory technicians

A variety of materials are used in dental prosthesis laboratories (DPL), especially metal alloys and methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based monomers and polymers. These metal alloys contain elements such as cobalt, chromium, nickel, molybdenum, lead, and mercury that can have toxic effects on human health when excessive amounts of exposure occur. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxic effects of occupational exposure due to dental prosthesis manufacturing operations on erythrocyte cells. Thirty DPL workers were compared with the 30 control group and the questionnaire forms were applied including the symptoms due to their occupational exposure. Blood was taken from the experimental group and the control group into tubes with EDTA, and the erythrocyte morphologies were examined by the peripheral smear technique. Morphological anomalies determined from the experimental group and the control group are statistically significant (p < .005, p < .01). On the other hand, it was revealed that the sub-variables, namely age range, alcohol, and smoking, did not significantly affect the anomalies. With these results, it was concluded that DPL employees should strictly comply with occupational health precautions.