Dental clinics--a burden to environment?
To estimate environmental burden of mercury from dental clinics, a survey was conducted in 1993 at dental clinics in northern part of Sweden. Factors regarding amalgam separators, maintenance and disposal of collected sludge, age of clinics, cleaning of waste pipes, and sorting and handling of amalgam contaminated products were investigated. The result showed that many were not familiar with maintenance of the amalgam separator. A majority, 68%, were working in clinics older than 10 years, but only 9% reported that waste pipes had been cleaned or changed. Classification of amalgam contaminated products as high-risk and low-risk waste differed a lot, as well as handling of waste products. The result shows that there is need for more information and attention to all individuals working in Dental Care on how to reduce environmental burden of mercury from dental clinics.
Lönnroth
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Department of Human Work Sciences, Luleå University, Sweden.
Shahnavaz
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D000328:Adult; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000145:classification; D003726:Dental Assistants; D003729:Dental Care; D003740:Dental Clinics / Q000458:organization & administration; D003756:Dental Hygienists; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000295:instrumentation; D018057:Dental Waste / Q000009:adverse effects; D003815:Dentists; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008283:Maintenance; D008297:Male; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal / Q000379:methods; D008628:Mercury / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000145:classification; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D012722:Sewage / Q000009:adverse effects; D013548:Sweden; D000078329:Workforce
D018057:Dental Waste; D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D017744:Medical Waste Disposal; D012722:Sewage; D003723:Dental Amalgam; D008628:Mercury