12/11/2024
Metallic dust, crystalline silica, resins, and chemical vapours: Why air quality is crucial for dental laboratory professionals’ health
In dental laboratories, air quality is often an overlooked issue, even though professionals are exposed daily to various pollutants. The processes involved in the production and finishing of dental prostheses release chemical substances and fine particles that pose significant health risks. Every activity in the laboratory has the potential to emit specific pollutants, depending on the materials handled (resins, metals, ceramics) and the tools used (burs, polishers, firing ovens).
Failing to properly manage air quality in dental laboratories can lead to severe occupational illnesses. This article highlights the main health risks faced by dental technicians and underscores the importance of implementing preventative measures.
The dangers of poor air quality in dental laboratories
Dental technicians work with various materials and processes that can significantly pollute the air. The most common pollutants include:
- Fine particles: Produced during polishing, grinding, or cutting prostheses, these particles can deeply penetrate the respiratory tract, leading to lung diseases.
- Chemical vapours: Substances such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) in acrylic resins may irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, causing chronic respiratory disorders and more severe illnesses over time.
- Metallic dust: Common in crown and bridge manufacturing, these dusts may contain cobalt, nickel, or chromium—toxic and allergenic substances.
According to the French National Institute for Research and Safety (INRS), inhalation of these particles or vapours can cause occupational illnesses such as asthma, respiratory allergies, silicosis, or chronic pulmonary diseases.
Pollutants by activity in dental laboratories
Each step in creating a dental prosthesis exposes technicians to different types of pollutants. Below is an overview of the main airborne contaminants based on specific activities:
- Preparation and polymerisation of acrylic resins
- Key pollutants: Methyl methacrylate (MMA), formaldehyde, acetone, toluene.
- Associated risks: These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released during resin handling and curing. MMA, one of the most used, is known for causing irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system, as well as chronic allergies and respiratory illnesses with prolonged exposure.
- Grinding and polishing prostheses
- Key pollutants: Fine and ultra-fine particles (PM10, PM2.5), crystalline silica, cobalt, nickel, chromium.
- Associated risks: Polishing and cutting generate significant amounts of dust, particularly when working with metal alloys. Crystalline silica, found in some abrasive materials, is especially hazardous and can lead to silicosis or even cancer of the respiratory tract. Metals such as cobalt and nickel are classified as carcinogens and can cause both lung diseases and allergic reactions.
- Firing and treating ceramic materials
- Key pollutants: Zirconium oxide, aluminium oxide, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx).
- Associated risks: During the firing of ceramic crowns and bridges, fumes and fine particles are released. Zirconium oxide can irritate the respiratory system, causing chronic respiratory conditions. High-temperature firing also releases toxic gases like CO and NOx, which negatively impact cardiovascular and respiratory health.
- Handling metal alloys for crowns and bridges
- Key pollutants: Metallic dust, lead, cadmium, mercury.
- Associated risks: Metalwork exposes technicians to fine dust containing toxic heavy metals. Prolonged exposure to lead, for instance, is linked to neurological disorders, kidney diseases, and cognitive decline.
- Cleaning and disinfecting prostheses and tools
- Key pollutants: Disinfectants containing glutaraldehyde, sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide.
- Associated risks: Vapours from these disinfectants can trigger acute and chronic respiratory conditions such as occupational asthma. Glutaraldehyde is particularly irritating and allergenic, potentially causing severe respiratory issues without adequate protection.
Occupational diseases linked to poor air quality
Substandard air quality in dental laboratories contributes to numerous occupational diseases. INRS statistics reveal that respiratory illnesses are a significant proportion of reported conditions in this sector.
Common illnesses include:
- Chronic respiratory diseases: Prolonged exposure to fine particles, metallic dust, or silica promotes conditions like bronchitis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and lung cancer.
- Allergies and occupational asthma: VOCs, metals, and disinfectants often cause severe allergic reactions or asthma.
- Skin conditions: Contact with chemical agents in resins can lead to dermatitis or chronic eczema.
- Cancers: Prolonged exposure to carcinogenic metals like nickel and chromium increases the risk of respiratory tract cancers.
Solutions to improve air quality
Given the wide range of pollutants present in dental laboratories, a comprehensive approach is essential to minimise risks. Key preventative measures include:
- Adequate ventilation systems: Controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) ensures regular air renewal, reducing pollutant concentrations.
- Localised ventilation: Dust extractors near emission points, such as polishing or grinding stations, prevent particles from dispersing into the air.
- Air purification systems: Professional air purifiers like NatéoSanté’s EOLIS Air Manager with HEPA filters capture fine particles, metallic dust, crystalline silica, and airborne chemicals. Activated carbon filters effectively eliminate VOCs, reducing the risk of irritation and allergies.
- Chemical emission monitoring: Real-time air quality monitoring helps detect pollution levels and ensures the effectiveness of air purification systems.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE): FFP2/FFP3 masks and protective eyewear are essential to limit direct exposure to harmful particles and vapours.
EOLIS Air Manager: The air purification solution for dental technicians
NatéoSanté, a French designer and manufacturer, offers air purification solutions specifically designed to address the health challenges faced by dental technicians. Our professional air purifiers, such as those in the EOLIS Air Manager range, are specifically engineered to capture and eliminate pollutants present in dental laboratories, ensuring a healthy and safe working environment by capturing the pollutants in the air of your laboratory:
• Fine particle filtration
HEPA filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air) capture up to 99.97% of fine particles (PM10, PM2.5), including silica dust, heavy metals, and dust generated by resins and ceramics.
• Neutralisation of VOCs and toxic vapours
The high-density activated carbon filter is ideal for absorbing volatile organic compounds (such as methyl methacrylate), as well as toxic gases like carbon monoxide.
• Medical-grade HEPA filtration
Captures up to 99.97% of fine particles (PM10, PM2.5), including metallic dust and crystalline silica, thereby reducing the risks of chronic respiratory diseases.
• Advanced UV-C technology
The germicidal UV-C lamps integrated into the EOLIS Air Manager destroy harmful microorganisms such as viruses and bacteria, ensuring an even healthier environment.
• Efficient management of pollution peaks
With suitable filtration systems, PM and VOC sensors that measure the pollution levels, and an intelligent automatic mode, the EOLIS Air Manager professional air purifiers adjust their operating speed to the room’s pollution level in real-time, ensuring optimal air quality even during the most intensive activities.
Conclusion
The air quality in dental laboratories is a major public health concern. Prolonged exposure to airborne pollutants can lead to serious occupational diseases, from respiratory conditions to cancers. Implementing effective air purification solutions like those from NatéoSanté ensures a safer working environment for dental professionals.
Together, let’s prevent occupational diseases and promote better working conditions for dental technicians.
