Potential toxicants in alginate powders

Twenty-five dental alginate impression powders were obtained locally and analysed for Pb, Zn, Ba, Cd, As, Be, Hg, Sb, and V contents by atomic absorption spectroscopy; also total fluoride was determined by a conventional wet-way procedure. In addition, some lead containing powders were investigated for the lead content of the aerosol and that extractable from the surface of the set material by aqueous solutions. The results are detailed and concern is expressed at a possible hazard to health, mainly by inhalation of these materials.