Effect of acute methyl methacrylate vapor inhalation on smokers’ and non-smokers’ respiratory function in a sample of male dentistry students

Abstract

Background. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) is one of the widely used organic monomers in dentistry. It may cause multiple adverse reactions, ranging from allergic reaction to systemic toxicity. Dentistry students are exposed to MMA in an acute manner; however, the concentration of its vapor cannot be estimated well. Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute MMA vapor inhalation on the pulmonary function of dental students, both smokers and non-smokers. Material and methods. Thirty-eight male dental students were divided into 2 groups (group 1-smokers and group 2-non-smokers). The lung function parameters of the students were tested with a spirometer during their ordinary training work in a prosthodontics laboratory, before contact with MMA and immediately after it. The lung function test was performed using a standard protocol. The students were asked not to use any perfume or aromatic overlaps for a period of 24 h before starting the tests. Results. The researchers noted a statistically significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced expiratory flow at 25-75% of the pulmonary volume (FEF25-75), and forced expiratory flow at 25% (FEF25) and 50% (FEF50) of the pulmonary volume in smokers and non-smokers by comparing the pre-and post-work tests. Conclusions. Acute inhalation of MMA vapor induced a moderate restriction of pulmonary function in dental students, both smokers and non-smokers, during their routine prosthodontics laboratory training work. No differences in the results of the pulmonary function tests between smokers and non-smokers were observed.

Embryotoxicity and teratogenesis of orthodontic acrylic resin in zebrafish

“…However, serious problems have not been reported for the inhalation of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) ingredients, although MMA may irritate the eyes, skin, and respiratory system [ 9 ]. Dental students, both smokers and non-smokers, exposed to acute MMA vapor inhalation demonstrated a moderate restriction of pulmonary function [ 10 ].…”

“…A large body of evidence has been accumulated regarding the release of residual monomers and toxicity of acrylic resin in dentistry, with clinical observations and in vitro experiments being predominant [ [4] , [5] , [11] , [12] , [13] , [14] ].However, in vivo studies are comparatively sparse [ 10 , 15 ]. Studies in animals have demonstrated the neurotoxic potential of formaldehyde and that exposure to this compound may cause deficits in spatial learning and memory [ 16 ].…”

Embryotoxicity and teratogenesis of orthodontic acrylic resin in zebrafish

“…However, serious problems hasn't been reported by inhaling poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) ingredients, although MMA may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory system [9]. Acute inhalation of MMA vapor induced a moderate restriction of pulmonary function in dental students, both smokers and non-smokers [10].…”

“…There is plenty of evidence concerning about residual monomers release and toxicity of acrylic resin used in dentistry [9], especially with clinical observations and in vitro experiments [4,5,[11][12][13][14], but few in vivo studies [10,15]. Clinical observations are highly subject to bias, such as non-commitment of the individual to the treatment or exposure of these individuals to external factors that may interfere with the research, and in vitro experiments do not have system integrity to assess the real impact of a substance in a complete organism, so animal models are better suited for these types of studies since they present di cult to simulate responses in cell culture [16].…”