Resumen

MORALES FUENTES, Ivelin et al. DIAGNOSIS OF MERCURIAL POLLUTION IN DENTISTRY, CARACAS, VENEZUELA. Acta odontol. venez [online]. 2007, vol.45, n.3, pp.369-374. ISSN 0001-6365.

ABSTRACT Mercury generates nervous, behavior, immune and sexual affections, among others. The personnel working in dentistry, exposed chronically mercury steam, constitutes population in toxicological risk. The objective of this work was to determine mercury present in dentistry personnel of Venezuelan hospital, for evaluating the occupational risk. Blood and urine samples were collected of the personnel working in this Unit Dentistry, the days Monday and Friday of every week during four weeks. The mercury content was determined by means of spectroscopy of absorption and atomic fluorescence with cold steam. By means of variance analysis the hypotheses related to the similarity in the values of mercury for different analyzed human groups and different periods from sampling were proven statistically. Mercury levels in urine samples of analyzed personnel are underneath the level threshold reviewed by the Health World Organization in 50 μg/L (ppb) Hg. 21% of evaluated population present levels superior to value threshold of 15 ppb of Hg in blood samples. Blood and urine mercury content between the labor groups were significantly differences. Mercury content present in blood samples of 21% of evaluated population reveals this group is in toxicological risk to metal, recommending more exhaustive analyses in these people

Palabras clave : Preventive dentistry; Occupational health; Mercury and toxicity; Dentists; Dental assistants; Occupational exposure; Atomic absorption espectrofotometry.