While there have been numerous cases of people dying from lung disease or Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), but a 15 year old clinic in Virginia has come up with a new revelation. As per its report of Virginia clinic over a period of 15 years said that eight of them were dentists and one of them was a dental technician of the 9 cases reported. The median survival rate was 3 to 5 years after the diagnosis of the conditions and the 7 patients of the 9 diagnosed were dead already. Even the CDC(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has mentioned that the chances of dentists getting the condition was 23 times higher than others. But, the investigation did not provide any results on the reason behind same.
IPF leads to lung scarring and is a result of some kind of environmental poisoning. The process however can be slowed down but the existing scar tissue cannot be removed. Over a period of time the lungs are not able to get oxygen to heart and brain organs. The reason behind Dentists being affected the most is that dentists come in contact with toxic substances like silica, alginate, polyvinyl siloxane etc., in their offices and this working exposure to materials and their bi-products cause damage to the body on inhaling.
An example includes that a dentist had the lung condition but reported that he never smoked. He also added that he also did not wear the Health certified respiratory mask during his practice duration of 40 years as well. This respiratory condition does not have a cure but what you can do is take measures to prevent it. Even people who work under conditions that are exposed to dust particles are at the risk of getting this condition.
“More work has to be done before we can make any conclusions about the risk dentists or other personal have. coming to conclusions of any kind”, said Randall Nett, the lead author of this study and medical officer at the US Public health Service.
While the report is a good one, today dentists are far more careful and the risk of developing lung disease is likely lower. The these days even the polishing work done by the dentist is very less compared to earlier as they are dependant on external laboratories as well for the same. Many are understanding the importance of this and even installing devices that can trace the harmful vapors at places with long term exposure.
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*Sourced from the Internet