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| Research article summary (published 30 Mar 2003): |
Neuropsychological effects of low mercury exposure in dental staff in Erzurum, Turkey.
Full Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
To carry out measurements of the Hg levels and personal exposure in Turkish dental clinics, and to evaluate possible adverse effects on the CNS in dental personnel.
SETTING:
Five dental clinics (1 private, 4 public) in Erzurum, Turkey.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
43, Hg vapour-exposed dental staff were examined and 43 hospital employees with no known exposure to Hg acted as the control group. Hg concentrations in plasma and urine were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Possible effects on the central nervous system (CNS) were estimated by neuropsychological tests (Weschler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R) and Verbal Test of Memory Processes (VTMP)) and two self-administered questionnaires (Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)).
RESULTS:
The dental staff group had higher whole blood (B-Hg) and urine (U-Hg) Hg levels than the control group. The mean B-Hg value was 2.18 nmol/l and U-Hg was 1.17 nmol/mmol creatinine. U-Hg had an inverse relationship with logical memory (in WMS-R test) and total retention score (in VTMP test), and a positive relationship with increased scores of Anxiety and Psychoticism (in SCL-90-R).
CONCLUSION:
These results may represent long-term consequences of low Hg exposure. In dentistry, to decrease toxic effects, proper Hg hygiene should be practiced by all dental health care workers.
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Author information
Author/s: Aydin, Nazan (N); Karaoglanoglu, Serpil (S); Yigit, Arzu (A); Keles, Mevlüt Sait (MS); Kirpinar, Ismet (I); Seven, Nilgün (N);
Affiliation: Atatürk Universitesi, Tip Fakültesi, Psikiyatri Anabilim Dali, 25240 Erzurum, Turkey. nmda21(-atsign-)hotmail.com
Journal and publication information
Publication Type: Journal Article
Journal: International dental journal (Int Dent J), published in England. (Language: eng)
Reference: 2003-Apr; vol 53 (issue 2) : pp 85-91
Dates: Created 2003/05/06; Completed 2003/07/08; Revised 2004/11/17;
PMID: 12731695, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)
Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.
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