Examination of urinary mercury levels in dentists in Turkey

Abstract

<jats:p> Mercury (Hg) is a naturally occurring element and its toxicity, especially in certain forms, has been known for many years. Exposure to Hg can occur in occupational and environmental settings. The toxicity of Hg compounds in dentistry has been an issue of increasing concern. Dental personnel are occupationally exposed to Hg vapor in their working environment and this exposure constitutes a potential risk to people in the dental surgery, mainly from the inhalation of Hg vapor and fine particles of amalgam. In this study, the urinary Hg excretion levels of 20 dentists and nine control subjects, matched for age, were determined by cold-vapor atomic absorption spectrometer (CV-AAS). The levels of Hg in the urine samples of the dentists was about three times higher than the control subjects (6.29±3.5 and 1.979±0.9 μg/L, respectively) (P B &lt; 0.001). Some 90% of dentists wore both gloves and masks. Standards of hygiene (use of mask, glove and gown) may contribute to the degree of exposure. Attention to important hygiene measures, such as the avoidance of spills of Hg, cleaning of floors after such spills, ventilation and the installation of ventilation, depending on technology, should be taken into consideration. </jats:p><jats:p> Age and smoking habits did not influence the urinary Hg excretion. Our results showed that dentists had significant exposure to Hg vapor compared to control subjects and therefore might be subject to possible adverse effects due to Hg toxicity. </jats:p>

A Review of Mercury Exposure and Health of Dental Personnel

“…A study of dental practices in Turkey detected higher urinary mercury levels in dental nurses (dental assistants) than dentists [15]. Higher urine mercury levels in dental personnel than the control individuals were detected in Iran [17], [22], and Egypt [21]. A prospective Norwegian study [20] noted a gradual decrease in urine mercury levels from 1960 to 1990 in dentists, but identified higher mercury values in dental nurses than dentists.…”

“…The specimens used as biomarkers of mercury exposure were urine, whole blood, hair, and toe nails [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21], [22], [23], [24]. Only one study used the indicators of renal function of albumin and α 1 microglobulin, and the enzymes glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase [21].…”

“…The threshold guidelines for the biological exposure index were 35 μg/g creatinine for urine and 15 μg/L for blood as set by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) [25]. Two studies reported mercury levels in both urine and blood [15], [21], while four studies reported levels only in urine [17], [18], [23], [26].…”

Symptoms of Intoxication in Dentists Associated with Exposure to Low Levels of Mercury

“…Additionally, in a study conducted by Karahalil and his colleagues 15) high background levels of mercury in the air of dental clinics as well as elevated levels of this toxic heavy metal in the urine and hair of dentists associated with poly-neuropathies have been reported. These observations along with the absence of any information on current exposure scenarios and possible health effects of occupational exposure of Shiraz dentists to mercury prompted this investigation.…”

“…There is still widespread concern about possible ill effects of chronic low-level mercury exposure on dentists 14,15) . Additionally, in a study conducted by Karahalil and his colleagues 15) high background levels of mercury in the air of dental clinics as well as elevated levels of this toxic heavy metal in the urine and hair of dentists associated with poly-neuropathies have been reported.…”