Pneumoconiosis among Cretan Dental Technicians

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 Greek dental technicians on the island of Crete. Fifty-one of the 58 dental technicians of the Heraklion Dental Technicians' Association completed an exposure history questionnaire and underwent a clinical examination, including chest radiographs, and spirometric assessment of lung volume and diffusing capacity. Values were compared with 51 control subjects. Five dental technicians showed radiological evidence of pneumoconiosis. 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 respiratory symptoms than controls (p = 0.008). Symptoms were associated to the absence of a ventilation system. We concluded that occupational exposure in dental technicians in Crete did not affect lung function. The prevalence of pneumoconiosis in this study was 9. 8%.