Biological exposure metrics of beryllium-exposed dental technicians

Moshe Stark, Yehuda Lerman, Arik Kapel, Asher Pardo, Yehuda Schwarz, Lee Newman, Lisa Maier, Elizabeth Fireman*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Beryllium is commonly used in the dental industry. This study investigates the association between particle size and shape in induced sputum (IS) with beryllium exposure and oxidative stress in 83 dental technicians. Particle size and shape were defined by laser and video, whereas beryllium exposure data came from self-reports and beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test (BeLPT) results. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO1) gene expression in IS was evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. A high content of particles (92%) in IS >5 μ in size is correlated to a positive BeLPT risk (odds ratio [OR]=3.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.9-13). Use of masks, hoods, and type of exposure yielded differences in the transparency of IS particles (gray level) and modulate HO1 levels. These results indicate that parameters of size and shape of particles in IS are sensitive to workplace hygiene, affect the level of oxidative stress, and may be potential markers for monitoring hazardous dust exposures.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)89-99
Number of pages11
JournalArchives of Environmental and Occupational Health
Volume69
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2014

Funding

FundersFunder number
USA-Israel Bi-National Science Foundation
National Institutes of Health
National Center for Research ResourcesUL1RR025780
National Center for Advancing Translational SciencesUL1TR001082

    Keywords

    • Beryllium
    • Bio monitoring
    • Dental technician
    • Occupational exposure
    • Particles exposure
    • Sputum induction

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