Resumen

BELLO, Sorely C et al. Niveles de Mercurio en Cabello de individuos expuestos ocupacionalmente en el area Odontológica. Acta odontol. venez [online]. 2002, vol.40, n.2, pp.123-128. ISSN 0001-6365.

The purpose of this study was to determine the Hg levels present in the hair of occupationally exposed individuals into odontological areas and to contrast them with the mercurial concentrations obtained from a non-exposed group (controls). The samples of hair were taken from 15 exposed individuals and 15 non-exposed individuals, all of them residents in the city of Maracaibo, Venezuela, and surrounding areas. The individuals who collaborated with this study were asked about their personal data, current address, occupation, habits, alimentation, health, medical treatments, number of amalgam restorations, hair cosmetic treatments, etc. This information was obtained from a survey. From each individual were cut approximately 2 g of hair from the occipital area of 2 cm long from its distal portion. Hair samples were stored in plastic bags to 4°C. Previous the spectrometric analyses, samples were washed and mineralized by microwaves. Accurate, precise and free from interferences determination of Hg was carried out employing the cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean concentrations of Hg (± 1 SD, m g/g) obtained for the exposed group (E) were 2,07 ± 2.23 (ca. experimental range: 0,13 - 7,91 m g Hg/g; and for the control group (C) 2,65 ± 2,06 (ca. experimental range: 0,75 - 6,75 m g Hg/g). Significant differences among the levels of mercury for both groups E and C were not observed (p > 0,05). Therefore, the level of vapor of Hg absorbed in the dental clinic not influenced on Hg present in hair of the exposed group, possibly due to the use of central air conditioning machines and well-ventilated areas that presented the dental suites. The results obtained in this study revealed that the correct handling and appropriated use of the dental amalgam doesn't alter the level of Hg present in the hair of dental personnel.

Palabras clave : Dentistry; hair; occupational exhibition; mercury; toxicity of mercury.