A NIOSH MMWR report identified nine confirmed cases of silicosis among dental-laboratory workers in five states and emphasized the need to control crystalline-silica exposure from dental materials and processes.
Source: CDC/NIOSH: Silicosis in Dental Laboratory Technicians — Five States, 1994–2000 ↗Dust entry
Dental-laboratory silica dust
Respirable crystalline-silica dust generated during dental-laboratory casting, investment-material handling, sandblasting, grinding, and related processes.
Airborne form
dust
The form describes what is suspended in air at the point of exposure. A material can produce more than one form, such as dust during handling and fume during heating.
Health effects
silicosisprogressive massive fibrosislung cancerkidney diseasetuberculosis infection riskrespiratory disease
Evidence
Controls
- enclosed blasting and grinding
- local exhaust ventilation
- wet methods where feasible
- dust collection
- exposure monitoring
- appropriate respiratory protection