| Abstract |
Pneumoconiosis among dental technicians has recently emerged as an area of research in interstitial lung disease. This study was carried out to estimate the prevalence of pneumoconiosis in dental technicians of the Heraklion Dental Technicians' Association. Fifty-one dental technicians completed an exposure history questionnaire and underwent a clinical examination, including chest radiographs, spirometric assessment of lung volume and diffusing capacity. Also they underwent conventional and high resolution computed tomography of thorax. Values were compared with 51 control subjects. Five dental technicians showed radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis. The prevalence of pneumoconiosis in this study was 9,8%. The 11 subjects with pulmonary nodules in the chest radiographs were increased to 22 by conventional and high resolution computed tomography of thorax. Mean lung function values of the dental technicians, even in those with pneumoconiosis, were not significantly different from controls. No significant changes in lung function parameters were associated with smoking, exposure to metals and other contaminants. Dental technicians, however, reported more frequently respiratory symptoms than controls (p=0,008). Symptoms were associated to the absence of a ventilation system. Our data suggest that pneumoconiosis is common (≈ 10%) in dental technicians due to inadequate prophylactic measures. Although pulmonary function was not fount affected longitudinal studies are needed to observe any long term effects. Key wards: Dental technicians, epidemiology, lung function, occupational exposure, pneumoconiosis
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Επίδραση του επαγγελματικού περιβάλλοντος στους πνεύμονες οδοντοτεχνιτών
