[Pollution by oil suspensions in the air put out by dental compressors]

Particular polluting factors in the air of dental clinics are examined. Equipment such as air compressors and drill turbines, studied from the viewpoint of the type of lubrication, are examined. Collection of samples in various dental studios and their analysis showed the presence of oily suspensions that had exited from this equipment. Having established the presence of such pollution, its danger and resulting damage are documented. The respiratory system is most affected, of course, and publications of the subjects have shown undoubted pulmonary involvement, particularly of the alveolus. The damage deriving from exposure to these oily suspensions is manifold, from respiratory insufficiency to reactive parenchymal fibrosis to an increased incidence of lung tumors in certain sections of the population. Because of the lenght of time required before such damage is evident, they are not so much a danger to the patient as to the dentist who is exposed to the patient as to the dentist who is exposed for long periods. As for the patient, local damage may be seen in the teeth.