Clinical Evaluation of Occupational Toxicity of Methylmethacrylate Monomer to Dental Technicians

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Abstract
Dental technicians handle monomeric methylmethacrylate resin with bare fingers. Methylmethacrylate is a cutaneous irritant and penetrates skin effectively. Thirty-four percent of Finnish dental technicians reported dermatitis in a questionnaire study and 25 per cent gave histories of finger numbing, feeling of coldness and whitening in areas with frequent contact to methylmethacrylate monomer. Fifteen cases were examined by routine neurophysiological techniques for the comparison of reported complaints with objective findings and with skin status. Sensory conduction velocities in the finger nerves were slowed in conjunction with the reported numbness. This was occasionally associated with decreased sensory action potential amplitude while the neurophysiological findings did not correlate with current dermatitis. The effect on the nervous system could therefore be an independent effect from the exposure or it could reflect the slower regeneration of the nervous system than the local skin lesion. The neurological complaints were more common among those with a longer career and heavier exposure. The findings stress the importance of proper protective measures.

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