TITLE:
Mercury Exposure and Health Status of Dentists in Morocco, Casablanca—Settat Region
AUTHORS:
Omar Ziyati, Salma Abou-Obeida, Anas Benjelloun, Youssef Regragui, Khalid El Boussiri
KEYWORDS:
Mercury, Health Status, Dentists, Amalgam
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.11 No.8,
August
29,
2024
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Mercury exposure was a globally recognized health problem. In odontology, dental amalgam is the primary source of mercury, and dental staff were exposed to both metallic and vapor mercury. However, the harmful effects of this chronic low-dose exposure were still a matter of debate. Objectives: The study aimed to evaluate mercury exposure in dental clinics in the Casablanca region, identify sources of exposure, determine its impact on dentists’ health, and assess the management of dental amalgam waste. Method: This cross-sectional study utilized online and paper-based questionnaires distributed to dentists in the Casablanca—Settat region. The sample size was accidental. Results: Out of 93 responding dentists, only 17 used dental amalgam, while 71 performed amalgam filling removal. Among them, 50% (8) used encapsulated amalgam, 25% (4) bulk amalgam, and 25% (4) used both forms. Safety measures during amalgam handling included the use of a rubber dam 23.7%, surgical suction 63.4%, irrigation 67.7%, and ventilation 62.5%. Regarding waste management, 84.7% believe waste sorting was mandatory, 38.5% stored amalgam waste in sealed containers, 52.2% sorted it with cytotoxic waste and only 29.8% collaborated with waste management companies. Only 14.3% of dentists attributed their health issues to amalgam handling despite experiencing symptoms related to amalgam toxicity, which appeared on an average of 7.27 years. Discussion: The placement, removal of amalgam, and improper amalgam waste management remained significant factors in mercury exposure, leading to various somatic, oral, and psychological issues. Adhering to the latest recommendations on amalgam use and waste management is essential. Conclusion: Mercury exposure in dental clinics was undeniable. Despite a low response rate, our study conducted in 14 urban areas of the Casablanca—Settat region was fairly representative of current practices and the overall health of practitioners in the private sector.