Asbestos is a toxic mineral that was once used widely in various industries, including dentistry. Dentists and dental technicians may have been unknowingly exposed to asbestos through dental materials and equipment. Learn more about the potential risks of asbestos exposure, safety information, and what to do if you think you may have been exposed.
Asbestos in Dental Materials
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral known for its heat resistance and durability. Until the early 1980s, it was used extensively in many products across hundreds of industries, including dentistry.
Now that the health risks of asbestos are widely known, dentists and dental hygienists should be aware of their potential exposure and how to get help.
Common dental materials that once contained asbestos include:
Casting rings
Dental tape
Molding compounds
Periodontal dressings
Manufacturers used asbestos in these dental materials in the past to make them stronger and more durable.
Did You Know?
Asbestos is no longer used in dental materials. The health risks associated with asbestos exposure have led to its removal from many industries, including dentistry.
Modern dental materials are now made with safer alternatives to ensure the health and safety of dental professionals and patients.
Despite these improvements, individuals who have been in the dental field for an extended period may have encountered asbestos-containing materials on the job, highlighting the importance of regular health monitoring.
Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos can have severe health consequences for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental technicians. When asbestos fibers become airborne, they can be unknowingly breathed in or swallowed.
Once inside the body, asbestos fibers can become stuck in the lining of certain organs and cause inflammation and cellular damage.
Over time, asbestos exposure can cause:
Mesothelioma
Lung cancer
Asbestosis
Pleural plaques
Ovarian cancer
Other diseases
Mesothelioma is a rare but aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Asbestos is the only known cause of mesothelioma, and most patients are exposed in the workplace.
Dentists Developing Mesothelioma
Tragically, some dental workers who were exposed to asbestos on the job have developed mesothelioma through no fault of their own. Mesothelioma has a very long latency period — or time between asbestos exposure and the onset of symptoms — of up to 10-50 years.
Because of this, dental professionals who were exposed to asbestos-containing dental products in the 1970s or 1980s may just now be experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
Being diagnosed with mesothelioma impacts every aspect of a dental professional’s life: their physical health, finances, emotions, and even their ability to practice dentistry.
These professionals deserve justice, and many have pursued legal action against the manufacturers of asbestos-containing products. Mesothelioma lawsuits have brought attention to the serious consequences of asbestos exposure and have prompted increased awareness and precautions in the dental industry.
Asbestos Exposure Risk in Dental Offices
In addition to the dental products that may have contained asbestos, dental professionals may have been exposed in their physical office.
Potential sources of asbestos exposure in dental offices include:
Building materials
Ceiling tiles
Cement
Flooring
Insulation
Sealants
Asbestos could still be present in these materials today, particularly in older dental facilities. Disturbing these materials during renovations or repairs can release asbestos fibers into the air, putting workers and patients at risk of exposure.
Best Practices for Asbestos Testing and Removal in Dental Clinics
Given the potential risks associated with asbestos exposure, it’s important for dental clinics to prioritize testing and removal procedures if they work in an older building or suspect the presence of asbestos.
Regular asbestos inspections should be conducted to identify any potential sources of exposure, such as old dental equipment or deteriorating building materials.
Get Professional Help
When it comes to asbestos removal, it’s crucial to hire licensed and experienced professionals who specialize in the safe removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials.
These experts follow strict protocols to minimize the release of asbestos fibers into the environment.
Properly Recycle
Improper handling of asbestos during removal can lead to serious health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos should be properly recycled, and it’s important to use a company that has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Take Extra Care
Asbestos-containing materials may still be found in various parts of older dental facilities, including insulation, ceiling tiles, and even some dental equipment.
By implementing appropriate testing and removal measures, dental clinics can ensure a safe and asbestos-free environment for both patients and dental professionals.
Minimizing Risks to Dentists and Patients
Proper training and education on asbestos awareness and handling procedures are essential for dental staff to minimize their risk of exposure. This includes recognizing asbestos-containing products, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and following safe work practices to prevent the release of fibers.
Dental professionals should work to identify older dental materials that may still contain asbestos. If any asbestos-containing products are found, immediate steps should be taken to replace them with safer alternatives.
Moreover, regular monitoring and evaluation of dental materials used in clinics can help ensure that asbestos has been entirely phased out of modern dental practices.
Protecting Dentists in the Future
In addition to implementing safety guidelines and protocols for asbestos testing and removal, dental associations should focus on research and innovation in developing asbestos-free dental materials and products.
By investing in safer alternatives and promoting their use within the industry, dental organizations can contribute to a sustainable and healthy work environment for all dental professionals.
Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, the dental community can pave the way toward a future where asbestos exposure is a thing of the past, ensuring the well-being of health care providers and patients for years to come.
Help for Dentists Exposed to Asbestos
If you or a loved one was exposed to asbestos through your job in the dental industry, help is available.
Dentists with an asbestos-related disease can access:
Compensation through lawsuits
Help finding and paying for medical treatment
Payments from asbestos trust funds
Support for the emotional impacts of this diagnosis
