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Reduction in operatory mercury levels after contamination or amalgam removal
J L Ferracane1, J H Engle, T Okabe
1Department of Dental Materials Science, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3097.
American Journal of Dentistry
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Mercury vapor levels in dental operatories return to baseline quickly, within 10-30 minutes. Activated charcoal filters offer some protection during amalgam removal but do not fully eliminate mercury exposure.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Environmental Science
- Dental Public Health
Background:
- Occupational exposure to mercury in dental settings can exceed threshold limit values (TLVs).
- Mercury vapor poses a risk during specific dental procedures and contamination events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine mercury vapor clearance times in dental operatories.
- To evaluate the efficacy of activated charcoal filters in reducing mercury vapor.
Main Methods:
- Dental operatories (ventilated and non-ventilated) were contaminated with mercury to the TLV of 0.050 mg/m³.
- Mercury vapor levels were monitored over time.
- An activated charcoal filtering device was tested for mercury vapor removal efficiency.
Main Results:
- Mercury vapor returned to background levels within 20-30 minutes in non-ventilated operatories and 10-20 minutes in ventilated ones.
- The activated charcoal filter reduced mercury vapor by ~25% during continuous contamination.
- Filters reduced mercury exposure during amalgam removal but did not eliminate it.
Conclusions:
- Mercury vapor dissipates relatively quickly from dental operatories.
- Ventilation significantly speeds up mercury vapor clearance.
- Activated charcoal filters can mitigate but not eliminate mercury exposure in dental environments.