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[Mercury vapors from premeasured amalgam capsules]
1Abteilung für Zahnärztliche Technologie, Werkstoffkunde und Propädeutik, Zahnärztliches Institut der Universität Basel.
Schweizer Monatsschrift Fur Zahnmedizin = Revue Mensuelle Suisse D'Odonto-Stomatologie = Rivista Mensile Svizzera Di Odontologia E Stomatologia
|January 1, 1993
Summary
Testing revealed that some dental amalgam capsules leak mercury, posing risks during use and disposal. Periodic checks are crucial for dental professionals to ensure safety and minimize mercury vapor exposure.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Occupational Health and Safety
Background:
- Dental amalgam remains a widely used restorative material.
- Concerns exist regarding mercury vapor release from encapsulated dental amalgams.
- Ensuring product integrity is vital for dental professional safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate mercury leakage from 12 dental amalgam capsules.
- To assess product performance during trituration, storage, and disposal.
- To identify dental amalgam capsules unsuitable for regular dental office use.
Main Methods:
- Mercury leakage was measured using two optical absorption-based systems.
- Testing encompassed trituration, storage, and disposal phases.
- Performance metrics included impermeability and safe handling characteristics.
Main Results:
- Half of the tested dental amalgam capsules demonstrated excellent performance.
- Five products exhibited deficiencies in impermeability or safe handling.
- Newer generation dental amalgam capsules generally showed lower mercury vapor release, but exceptions were noted.
Conclusions:
- Not all dental amalgam capsules are suitable for routine dental practice.
- Deficiencies in some products necessitate careful selection and handling.
- Regular monitoring of dental amalgam capsules is recommended to prevent occupational mercury exposure.