Workplace air quality and lung function among dental laboratory technicians

Background: Dental laboratory technicians are exposed to dust and/or methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the workplace. Potential effects of the exposures on lung function merit further clarification. Methods: This study measured lung function of 45 dental technicians, before and after shifts, on 3 workdays and monitored workplace concentrations of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter less than 2.5 mm (PM 2.5) and MMA in five dental laboratories in Taiwan. Base metals in particles were analyzed by X-ray fluorescence. Repeated measurement analysis was applied to estimate potential effects of PM 2.5 on pulmonary junction. Results: PM 2.5 ranged from 26 μg/m 3 to 664 μg/m 3 and levels of MMA were low in these laboratories. Nickel, cobalt, and chromium were detected in the particles. After controlling for important factors, PM 2.5 was associated with a small decrease in forced vital capacity and forced expiratory flow in one second. Conclusion: Workplace PM 2.5 was associated with a non-significant decrease in lung function of dental technicians.