Frequency of respiratory function disorders among dental laboratory technicians working under conditions of high dust concentration

A. Abakay, S. Atilgan, O. Abakay, Y. Atalay, S. Güven, F. Yaman, Y. Palanci, G. Tekbas, A. Dalli, A.C. Tanrikulu

Department of Chest Diseases, School of Medicine, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dentistry Faculty, Department of Public Health and Department of Radiology, School of Medicine, Dicle University, Diyarbakir, Turkey. arahmanabakay@hotmail.com

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• Respiratory Medicine

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dental laboratory technicians (DLTs) have much exposure to mineralogical dust that may have adverse effects on their lung health. The aim of our study was to investigate occupational dust exposure, and to determine the frequency of respiratory function disorders and radiologic abnormalities among DLTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study enrolled 94 DLTs who were exposed to dust in dental laboratories and 94 control subjects. Dust concentrations in the workplaces were measured.

RESULTS: The mean age of DLTs was 30.70 ± 9.84 years. No significant difference was found between the DLTs and the control groups for age or smoking status (p > 0.05). Spirometric values for the DLTs were found to be lower than the control group (p < 0.05). The mean working period for DLTs was 9.19±5.9 years. The pulmonary function test results for the DLTs showed that 65.9% had a normal pattern, 22.4% were restrictive, and 11.7% showed obstructive type pulmonary function disorder. Negative correlations were found between the working period time and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second in the DLTs (R = –0.675 p = 0.000). Negative correlations were also found between working period time and Forced Vital Capacity in the DLTs (R = –0.720 p = 0.000). All DLTs had chest X-rays and 16 (17%) of them showed radiological pneumoconiosis.

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a negative association between level of respiratory function and working period in DLTs.

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