Cognitive function among sons of women who worked in dentistry

Naimi‐Akbar, Aron; Sandborgh‐Englund, Gunilla; Ekbom, Anders; Ekstrand, Jan; Montgomery, Scott

doi:10.5271/sjweh.3279

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 29 publications

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“…In another earlier study, we found no association between maternal employment in dentistry and adverse effects on cognitive function among male offspring [23] . It is probable that the military tests for cognition utilized in the previous study were undertaken only by those deemed fit enough to be considered for military service, potentially excluding subjects suffering from neurological disease such as epilepsy or intellectual disability.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 86%

Neurological disease or intellectual disability among sons of female Swedish dental personnel

Vähäsarja

Montgomery²,

Sandborgh‐Englund

et al. 2016

Journal of Perinatal Medicine

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We did not find any support for the hypothesis that mercury exposure in Swedish dentistry during the 1960s, 1970s or 1980s had any effect on the incidence of neurological disease or intellectual disability among the sons of female dental personnel. Our results imply that current use of dental amalgam should not represent an elevated risk for neurological disease or intellectual disability among the offspring of dental personnel.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 86%

Neurological disease or intellectual disability among sons of female Swedish dental personnel

Vähäsarja

Montgomery²,

Sandborgh‐Englund

et al. 2016

Journal of Perinatal Medicine

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“…Therefore, exposure to Hg in a poorly ventilated room could cause significant health risks to not only healthcare workers but also to patients and their families. Previous studies have reported that occupational exposure to Hg in dentists and dental assistants leads to irritation, headaches, neurobehavioral consequences (memory loss, depression, behavioural abnormalities, sleep, and personality alterations), and arthralgias [10][11][12]. Also, a study in nursing professionals has suggested certain associations between Hg exposure and Parkinson, Alzheimer, arthritis, negative effects on the thymus gland, and the psychomotor development of nurses' children [13,14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Mercury air, urine monitoring and health effects on occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers in Delhi, India

Mawari,

Kumar,

Sarkar

et al. 2024

WOR

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BACKGROUND: Mercury (Hg) is a toxic heavy metal with multiple uses in various medical devices. Hg is used in dentistry as a restorative material. Such use creates significant exposure to dental practitioners. Hence, it is important to assess the risk created by Hg use in healthcare. OBJECTIVE: To quantify airborne Hg vapour exposure and Hg levels in dental healthcare workers, and determine the association of various symptoms and diseases to Hg exposure. METHODS: Air monitoring of Hg vapours were conducted in dental clinics and amalgam rooms. Urine samples were collected from occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers and urine Hg levels were measured. A cross-sectional health survey was conducted in 23 healthcare units of Delhi to determine an association between Hg exposure and various health effects. RESULTS: Hg vapour concentration ranged from 0.96μg/m3 to 15μg/m3, the highest concentration was recorded in the amalgam room (15μg/m3). Urine Hg levels in healthcare workers (0.51±0.17μg/L) were higher than the control (0.29±0.05μg/L). A cross-sectional health survey revealed a significant prevalence of confusion, forgetfulness, muscle spasm, and tremors by the respondents. CONCLUSION: Hg concentration in dental clinics may hover above the prescribed safe levels posing a definitive health risk to healthcare workers. Urinary Hg measurements did not reveal an excess of body burden except in one case. Since Hg bio accumulates, it is probable as these workers grow older, they may end up with a higher body burden of Hg that may lead to a variety of adverse health outcomes.

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“…12 Occupational exposure leads to irritability, headache, neurobehavioral effects (memory loss, depression, behavioral changes, and sleep and personality alterations), and muscle disorders such as arthralgia in dentists or dental assistants. [13][14][15][16] In nursing professionals, certain associations have been suggested between mercury exposure and Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, arthritis, negative effects on the thymus gland, and the psychomotor development of nurses' children. [17][18][19][20] In view of these health risks, the European Union has restricted the use of various mercury-containing products.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Perception and Knowledge of Mercury by Occupationally Exposed Health Care Personnel

Álvarez-Solorza¹,

Upegui-Arango²,

Borja-Aburto³

et al. 2022

J Contin Educ Health Prof

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Thermometers and baumanometers frequently contain mercury, a toxic heavy metal. Inadequate management of this substance can constitute an occupational hazard by exposing health care professionals to health risks including memory loss, psychosomatic symptoms, fatigue, and other signs of cognitive dysfunction as reported in several studies. Purpose: To assess Mexico's health care professionals' health and mercury-related knowledge and risk perception and to explore the measurement properties of a questionnaire assessing that level of knowledge. Materials and Methods: Mixed methodology. A quantitative, cross-sectional study was conducted to measure health care professionals' knowledge of mercury and to validate an instrument using a Rasch analysis in 160 professionals. A qualitative study involving in-depth interviews was conducted to identify participants' risk perception for mercury exposure. Results: The total knowledge of mercury was 19.0 6 2.0 on a scale of 0 to 28 points. The scores for medical specialists were significantly (P < .001) higher, ranging between 20.0 6 2.05 and 23.0 6 1.63. In general, the level of risk perception for mercury exposure was low. The questionnaire presented a reasonable fit to the Rasch model (good item fit with a Bonferroni-adjusted P = .000714). The response categories of three items were collapsed, and two pairs of items were bundled into two super items. Conclusion:The levels of the knowledge of the health and safety risks and risk perception for mercury exposure in the Mexican health care professionals evaluated were low. Health care professionals should receive comprehensive training in the safe use and health risks of mercury.

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Cognitive function among sons of women who worked in dentistry

Cited by 6 publications

References 29 publications

Neurological disease or intellectual disability among sons of female Swedish dental personnel

Neurological disease or intellectual disability among sons of female Swedish dental personnel

Mercury air, urine monitoring and health effects on occupationally exposed dental healthcare workers in Delhi, India

Perception and Knowledge of Mercury by Occupationally Exposed Health Care Personnel

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