Valutazione di effetti a carico dell’ apparato respiratorio nel lavoro odontotecnico

The aim of the study was to evaluate respiratory effects of an occupational nature in dental technicians. A total of 105 subjects were submitted to physical and otorhinolaryngologic examination, rynomanometry, tympanometry and tubaric function test, lung function tests, bronchial provocation test with methacoline, allergic tests (skin) for inhalating allergens (perennial, seasonal and occupational) in the subjects with upper airways inflammation and the bronchial obstruction. The result suggested obstructive syndrome in 14 (13,33%) subjects (8 showed positivity to tested seasonal and perennial allergens, 6 non.specific bronchial hyperreactivity to the methacholine test), contact allergic dermatitis to occupational allergens in 7 (6,66%) subjects without respiratory effects, mucous inflammation and function upper airways alterations in 24 (22,85%) subjects (8 also showed positivity to tested seasonal and perennial allergens). The main problems were detected in the upper airways. In 16 subjects (15,23 %), non smokers, the data showed compatible effects with irritative pathology. We conclude the dental technicians often worked alone or in small laboratories without adeguate pollutants control.