{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.01112565445026178, 'fraction_numerical': 0.003926701570680628, 'mean_word_length': 6.246445497630332, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Health risk assessment of exposure to formaldehyde in dental materials

PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the health status and to assess the risk of adverse health effects among dental professionals occupationally exposed to formaldehyde in dental materials.MethodsA questionnaire survey was carried out with 78 participants: 30 occupationally exposed to formaldehyde as dental professionals and 48 non-exposed healthy referents. All participants were clinically examined, including a review of the participant’s medical history. Skin patch testing with formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde was performed.ResultsA significantly increased incidence and relative risk of manifestation of subjective symptoms from the upper respiratory tract, respiratory system and the skin were established in the group of occupationally exposed dental professionals. No significantly increased incidence of suppressed resistance to upper respiratory tract infectious diseases as a possible immunotoxic effect of formaldehyde was established by studying occupational exposure. Occupationally induced contact allergy to formaldehyde was found to have a significantly higher incidence and relative risk among dental professionals. A significantly higher prevalence of sensitization among women was observed.ConclusionsThe study documented well the irritant and skin-sensitizing effect of formaldehyde in materials used in dental practice; the results suggest a stronger skin-sensitizing potential of formaldehyde compared with glutaraldehyde.