Dental technicians building prostheses are exposed to many chemicals that increase their risk of developing pneumoconiosis. This study of 76 technicians, using a combination of pulmonary function testing and high-resolution chest computed tomography scanning, finds that 46% were diagnosed with the condition. This prompted the authors to urge that “appropriate education and workplace protection should be given to dental prosthetic technicians in order to prevent exposure to hazardous materials in …laboratories”.
Kahraman H et al (2014). “Pneumoconiosis in dental technicians: HRCT and pulmonary function findings”. Occupational Medicine, first published online 15 April 2014.
