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Occup Environ Med 2002;59:398-404 doi:10.1136/oem.59.6.398
  • Original article

Respiratory morbidity in a population of French dental technicians

  1. S Radi1,
  2. J C Dalphin2,
  3. P Manzoni3,
  4. D Pernet2,
  5. M P Leboube1,
  6. J F Viel4
  1. 1Association Comtoise Interprofessionnelle de Médecine du Travail, 5 A rue Victor Sellier, 25041 Besançon Cedex, France
  2. 2Department of Respiratory Disease, University Hospital, Boulevard Fleming, 25030 Besançon Cedex, France
  3. 3Department of Radiology C, University Hospital, Place Saint Jacques, 25030 Besançon Cedex, France
  4. 4Department of Public Health, Biostatistics and Epidemiology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Place Saint Jacques, 25030 Besançon Cedex, France
  1. Correspondence to:
 Dr S Radi, Centre de Médecine du Travail de l'Artisanat de la Haute-Garonne, 30 rue de l'Etoile, 31000 Toulouse, France;
 samiaradi{at}aol.com
  • Accepted 12 February 2002

Abstract

Aims: To compare wage earner dental technicians with non-exposed salaried subjects for the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and function, and chest x ray abnormalities.

Methods: A total of 134 dental technicians and 131 non-exposed subjects participated. A medical and an occupational questionnaire were filled in to evaluate the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and occupational exposures. Subjects underwent respiratory tests and chest x ray examination.

Results: Mean age of the dental technicians was 36.6 years with a mean duration of dental work of 16.5 years. There was a significant risk of cough (day and night) and usual phlegm in dental technicians. Respiratory function parameters were lower in dental technicians with a significant difference between exposed and non-exposed groups for % FVC (forced vital capacity), % FEF25 (forced mid expiratory flow), and % FEF50. The prevalence of small opacities increased with age. Small opacities were significantly related to an exposure to asbestos in the past.

Conclusions: Our young population of dental technicians is at risk of respiratory morbidity. They should benefit from adequate technical prevention measures.

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