THE SILICOSIS HAZARD IN MECHANICAL DENTISTRY

Abstract

On the long list of industries known to be associated with the silicosis hazard, mechanical dentistry is not to be found. It is our purpose in this communication to indicate that a silicosis hazard is present in this hitherto unlisted industry and to suggest the steps which may be taken in the elimination of the hazard. REPORT OF CASE History.— C. J., a man aged 35, a Russian Jew, employed as a dental technician, was admitted to the Division of Pulmonary Diseases of Montefiore Hospital Nov. 16, 1937. He had been transferred from another hospital, where a diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis had been made. His illness commenced in January 1936 when a slightly productive morning cough was noted. This complaint was mild and was ignored. In December the patient remarked that breathlessness was present on moderate exertion. In January 1937 a small hemoptysis occurred and this recurred at irregular intervals