OCCUPATIONAL LUNG-DISEASES AMONG DENTAL-TECHNICIANS

Dental technicians are exposed to various dusts including silica, allo ys, and acrylic plastics which may induce pneumoconiosis and probably other occupational lung diseases. The prevralence of pneumoconiosis is very high and related to the duration of exposure: 3 epidemiological studies have found a prevalence of pneumoconiosis 1/0 or greater of ab out 15% in technicians with 20 or more years' exposure. However, silic a is probably not the sole causative agent. In addition to pneumoconio sis, this occupational exposure may induce minor lung function impairm ent, especially among smokers. However, the effect of cigarette smokin g on lung function is greater than the effect of occupational exposure . Cases of occupational asthma, bronchial cancer and mesothelioma, and connective tissue diseases have been reported and are suspected to be work related, but epidemiological studies are needed. Pneumoconiosis is a frequent risk among dental technicians and compensation should be paid to those suffering from this work-related disease. Information a bout occupational lung diseases and adequate technical prevention meas ures are necessary for dental technicians.