The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the speed of grinding and coolants on mercury vaporization during amalgam removal.
Forty amalgam filled stone dies were stored at 37℃ and 100% relative humidity for 7 days prior to the beginning...
The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the speed of grinding and coolants on mercury vaporization during amalgam removal.
Forty amalgam filled stone dies were stored at 37℃ and 100% relative humidity for 7 days prior to the beginning of the mercury vapor experiment and were divided into 4 different groups;
In Group Ⅰ; Used by high speed without coolant & evacuator during amalgam removal.
In Group Ⅱ; Used by high speed with coolant & evacuator during amalgam removal.
In Group Ⅲ; Used by low speed without coolant & evacuator during amalgam removal.
In Group Ⅳ; Used by low speed with coolant & evacuator during amalgam removal.
The amalgam specimens were removed in a 30-second time period and mercury vapor was collected with membrane filter at 27㎜ from the site of removal and 45 degree above there,
Samples in Group Ⅱ,Ⅳ were removed with coolant spray at a flow rate of 30 ㎖/min with high-velosity evacuator.
Mercury vapor collected membrane filter was analysed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer using cold vapor method.
The results were as follows;
1. The mercury vapor levels were obtained all of the Groups.
2. The mercury vapor levels of the Group Ⅱ,Ⅳ (with coolant & evacuator) were less than that of the Group Ⅰ,Ⅲ (without coolant & evacuator).
3. The highest mercury vapor level recorded during amalgam removal procedure was Group Ⅰ (used by high speed without coolant & evacuator) and its record was 0.78±0.09 ㎎/㎥, which exceed the T.L.V. by 15 times.
4. The mercury vapor level of the Group Ⅳ (used by low speed with coolant & evacuator) was more than that of the Group Ⅱ (used by high speed with coolant & evacuator), but its difference was not significant, statistically. (p>0.05)