Mercury Vapor Levels in Dental SpacesMercury vapor in sufficient concentration can be toxic to humans. Studies showing vapor levels in dental operating rooms are conflicting in their results. The purpose of this investigation was to compare mercury vapor levels in the air of dental operating rooms at three separate naval facilities. Direct mercury vapor meter readings were taken in a newly remodeled 14-unit facility, an 18-unit student clinic, and a small, carpeted three-operatory clinic. Some conditions contributing to high mercury vapor levels were also evaluated. Highest mercury vapor concentrations for a working day were found in the small clinic, in which the mean value of 0.056 mg/cu m exceeded the revised threshold limit value (TLV). Activities such as carpet vacuuming, stamping of feet, and amalgam trituration momentarily increased mercury concentration to peaks up to 0.20 mg/cu m. A direct relationship was noted between the amount of mercury in the air and the amount of mercury in the urine of persons working in the room. (Author). |
Common terms and phrases
14-unit facility Activities air of dental amalgam amalgam trituration amount of mercury assistants carpet concentration of mercury contaminated contributing DATE Dent dental clinic dental offices dental operating rooms dental personnel dentist determine Direct mercury vapor direct relationship document dust effect exposure facilities feet floor Following Graduate Dental School hand highest mean Highest mercury vapor LEVELS IN DENTAL LINK locations mercury content mercury vapor concentration mercury vapor levels mercury vapor meter metal mg/m³ micrograms per liter minutes National Naval Medical Naval Graduate Dental Naval Medical Center NNMC peak persons possible practicability prosthetic laboratory range readings were taken recorded relationship was noted REPORT rooms at three Security Classification sources staff clinic stamping sufficient concentration suggests Table three naval three separate three-operatory threshold limit value toxic to humans units urine urine mercury level vacuuming vapor in sufficient Washington Navy Yard