Pulmonary function parameters, arterial blood gases and flow volume curves of dental technicians.

Abstract

Dental technicians working in laboratories are exposed to different doses of various dusts. Disorders of pulmonary function may occur before radiographic changes are evident. If these pulmonary function disorders are found at an early stage, the risk may be reduced by early, adequate local ventilation and by appropriate individual protective methods. Unless adequate preventive measures are taken, pulmonary disorders will increase, finally leading to obstructive or restrictive ventilatory disorders, or progressive massive fibrosis. Results of pulmonary function tests provide objective criteria for prognosis, and are a measure of disease disability. In this situation, abnormal pulmonary function results should be considered as alarm signs.