Determination of Mercury Exposure among Dental Health Workers in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

Abstract

Objectives. The main objective of this study was to assess the mercury exposure levels in dental health workers that work in dental clinics. The study evaluated the airborne and urinary mercury levels, the type of work done in the clinic, and the effect of mercury exposure on health of dental health workers. Material and Methods. A case-control study was conducted with 124 exposed and 124 matched nonexposed subjects. Personal and area samplings were conducted to quantify mercury concentrations by solid sorbent tube. Urine samples were collected to determine mercury levels by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometer mercury analyzer. Results and Discussion. 17.6% (n = 32/182) of the air samples were higher than the occupational exposure limit (OEL). A multiple regression model was constructed. Significant predictors of urinary mercury levels included dietary consumption (fish or seafood), duration of work (yrs), work position, personal protection equipment used (PPE), and personal hygiene behaviors. Significant correlations were observed between mercury levels in urine and mercury in storage areas (r = 0.499, P < 0.05) and between mercury levels in urine and airborne mercury in personal samplings (r = 0.878, P < 0.001). Conclusion. Improvements in working conditions, occupational health training, and PPE use are recommended to reduce mercury exposure.

Occupational exposure to mercury vapor in a compact fluorescent lamp factory: Evaluation of personal, ambient air, and biological monitoring

“…We found no significant relations between the UMLs and age and working experience of workers. This finding was in contrast to the study of Decharat et al (2014); the reason for this discrepancy can be attributed to the low mean age of workers and the several scenarios of worker's exposure to mercury vapor after breakage of CFLs. It should also be noted that seafood consumption and determination of the UMLs is a valid index of recent exposures (Shirkhanloo et al, 2014).…”

“…Also, the results indicated that workers who used PPE had significantly lower UMLs than those who did not. Decharat et al (2014) also reported that dental workers handling mercury-containing amalgam who used masks and gloves had significantly lower UMLs than those who did not (Decharat et al, 2014). Also, Hansen and Danscher (1997) reported that non-use of PPE leads to the accumulation of mercury in a worker’s body.…”

“…In this study, there was significant difference in the UMLs of the workers who consumed fish and seafood in the prior week and who did not. In this regard, Decharat et al (2014) reported that dentists who consumed fish and seafood ≥3 times/month had significantly greater UMLs than those who consumed fish and seafood <3 times/month (Decharat et al, 2014). Also, Zolfaghari et al (2007) reported that fish consumption affects mercury levels in hair and nails (Zolfaghari et al, 2007).…”

Mercury in dental amalgam: Are our health care workers at risk?

“…Mercury hygiene is an important practice, as without proper mercury handling, dental personnel may suffer from varying degrees of mercury intoxication, including fatality. There are a number of studies which demonstrated significantly higher levels of urinary mercury in those who worked with dental amalgam compared to those who did not (Decharat et al, 2014;Hörsted-Bindslev, 2004;Jones, 1981). However, if dental health care workers practice good mercury hygiene, it is possible to reduce mercury body burdens to a level that does not differ significantly from those who are not occupationally exposed to mercury (Hörsted-Bindslev, 2004).…”

Dental amalgam risks in dental staff: systematic review

“…During the amalgam preparation and tooth restoration process, the mercury vapor is emitted into the air [26]. Studies that determined of mercury vapor in the air at dental clinics found that mercury vapor concentrations were higher and exceeded the baseline in all dental clinics.…”