title: Physical properties of aerosols produced by dermabrasion.
abstract: Medical personnel who perform dermabrasions are exposed to airborne blood and tissue fragments. The safety or hazards of exposure to such aerosols have not been adequately studied. Using scanning electron microscopy, the air density and size distribution of particles produced during dermabrasion were analyzed. Such particles are of sufficient size to allow for access to and retention by mucosal and pulmonary surfaces. Transmission electron microscopy reveals amorphous particles without discernible cell membranes. Commonly used personnel protection standards do not prevent respiration of these particulates. Mathematical estimation of particle size production allows extrapolation of these data to other rotary instrument applications.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Ill.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Wentzell
authors.forename: J K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Wentzell
authors.forename: D E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: S E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Carlson
mesh_terms: D000336:Aerosols / Q000032:analysis*; D000818:Animals; D003869:Dermabrasion; D005260:Female; D005374:Filtration / Q000295:instrumentation; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010316:Particle Size; D013552:Swine; D013556:Swine, Miniature
chemical_list: D000336:Aerosols