EXPOSURE TO COBALT-CHROMIUM DUST AND LUNG DISORDERS IN DENTAL-TECHNICIANS

Background - Dental technician's pneumoconiosis is a dust-induced fibr otic lung disease of fairly recent origin. This study was carried out to estimate its occurrence in Sweden. Methods - Thirty seven dental te chnicians in central and south eastern Sweden with at least five years of exposure to dust from cobalt chromium molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys, identified by postal survey, agreed to undergo chest radiography and a ssessment of lung function and exposure to inorganic dust. Results - S ix subjects (16%; 95% confidence interval 6% to 23%) showed radiologic al evidence of dental technician's pneumoconiosis. The lung function o f the study group was reduced compared with historical reference mater ial. With local exhaust ventilation dust levels were generally low, wh ereas in dental laboratories without such equipment high levels of dus t, particularly cobalt, were found. Conclusions - Pneumoconiosis may r esult from exposure to inorganic dust in the manufacturing of CoCrMo-b ased dental constructions. It is possible to reduce this hazard substa ntially by local exhaust ventilation.