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Cobalt exposure evaluation in dental prostheses production
P Leghissa1, M T Ferrari, S Piazzolla
1Department of Occupational Medicine, Ospedali Riuniti di Bergamo, Italy.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 30, 1994
Summary
Dental technicians face toxic metal alloy exposure during prostheses production. Monitoring revealed cobalt and chromium in urine, highlighting workplace hazards in dental laboratories.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Dental Materials Science
- Environmental Toxicology
Background:
- Dental laboratory technicians work with metal alloys for crowns, bridges, and prostheses.
- Common alloy constituents include cobalt, chromium, and molybdenum, posing potential health risks.
- Previous research indicates these metals are hazardous, necessitating workplace exposure assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the technology in dental prostheses production.
- To identify hazardous job roles within dental laboratories.
- To assess occupational exposure to cobalt and chromium in dental technicians.
Main Methods:
- Workplace air monitoring was conducted in five dental laboratories.
- Urine samples from 31 dental technicians were analyzed for cobalt and chromium levels.
- Technological processes in dental prostheses manufacturing were described.
Main Results:
- Elevated levels of cobalt and chromium were detected in the urine of dental technicians.
- Workplace air monitoring data correlated with biological monitoring results.
- Specific production stages were identified as high-risk for metal exposure.
Conclusions:
- Dental technicians are occupationally exposed to hazardous metals like cobalt and chromium.
- Biological monitoring (urine analysis) is a valuable tool for assessing exposure.
- Further preventative measures are needed to mitigate health risks in dental laboratories.