Environmental Science Department, Lahore College for Women University, Near WAPDA Flats, Jail Road, Jubilee Town, Lahore, Pakistan.
College of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
J Hazard Mater. 2024 Nov 5;479:135563. doi: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135563. Epub 2024 Aug 20.
Given the convenience of using plastics, addressing the growing concerns about their hazardous health effects is imperative. Consequently, a comprehensive risk assessment is necessary to gauge the potential harm microplastics pose. With its urgent call to action, this study aimed to investigate the indoor source and abundance of microplastics in private dental units during routine professional activities. The current analyzed microplastic quantity variations based on morphological characteristics, seasonal fluctuations and polymer-types. The polymer hazard index (PHI) was calculated to evaluate the significant human health risks posed to dental professionals by inhalation of microplastics. Dust samples were collected using a clean brush and steel pan from various flat and horizontal surfaces within each dental unit. The study found that clinical dental units had fewer microplastics (587 ± 184.9 MPs/g/day) than teaching hospitals (1083.80 ± 133.7MPs/g/day), with comparatively more abundance in winter (31 %). ATR-FTIR analysis determined polyethylene terephthalate to be a more abundant polymer (39 %). This study also found an average inhalation microplastic intake risk of 20.23 MP/g/day and 5259.85 MP/g/year for clinical and 29.45 MP/g/day and 765.12 MP/g/year for teaching hospital dental units. Female dental professionals have 1.1 times more microplastic inhalation risks than male dental professionals. According to PHI findings, overall minor to medium polymer risk was determined. In conclusion, this evidence-based research underscores the urgent need for a shift towards more sustainable practices in the dental healthcare sector. Dental professionals should prioritize using non-plastic material protective equipment and a proper ventilation system to reduce exposure to these particles.
鉴于塑料的便利性，解决其日益引起关注的健康危害问题迫在眉睫。因此，有必要进行全面的风险评估，以评估微塑料可能造成的潜在危害。本研究旨在调查在常规专业活动期间私人牙科单位内微塑料的室内来源和丰度，具有强烈的行动呼吁。本研究根据形态特征、季节性波动和聚合物类型分析了当前分析的微塑料数量变化。计算聚合物危害指数（PHI）以评估吸入微塑料对牙科专业人员造成的重大人类健康风险。使用清洁刷和钢盘从每个牙科单位的各种平面和水平表面收集灰尘样本。研究发现，临床牙科单位的微塑料（587 ± 184.9 MPs/g/天）少于教学医院（1083.80 ± 133.7 MPs/g/天），冬季（31%）相对较多。ATR-FTIR 分析确定聚对苯二甲酸乙二醇酯是一种更丰富的聚合物（39%）。本研究还发现临床和教学医院牙科单位的平均吸入微塑料摄入量风险分别为 20.23 MP/g/天和 765.12 MP/g/年和 29.45 MP/g/天和 525.98 MP/g/年。女性牙科专业人员吸入微塑料的风险比男性牙科专业人员高 1.1 倍。根据 PHI 的发现，总体上确定了轻微到中度的聚合物风险。总之，这项基于证据的研究强调了牙科医疗保健部门急需转向更可持续的做法。牙科专业人员应优先使用非塑料材料的防护设备和适当的通风系统，以减少对这些颗粒的暴露。
