 Air Quality
and Dental Offices |
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The execution of dental work and the use of various
chemical compounds leads to exposure levels for dentists, staff
and patients to a range of potentially harmful airborne contaminants.
Especially for dental staff this exposure to potentially harmful
air pollutants can be significantly higher than that of individuals
in most indoor environments.
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Microorganisms
The use of high-speed drills and ultrasonic scaling equipment generates
fine droplets which are light enough to stay airborne for hours.
Bacteria and viruses, which are contained in these micro-droplets,
are easily inhaled and constitute a potential source of infection.
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Mercury
Numerous studies show that dentists and their staff have higher
than average levels of inorganic mercury (Hg) in their blood and
urine. Mercury vapors can be released by the placement and the removal
of amalgam fillings. They may also be released from office surfaces,
where they may have accumulated over years of usage.
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Disinfectants
Chemical disinfectants in a dental office are responsible for a generally
unpleasant odor. Some disinfectants may also cause irritation and
may have a sensitizing potential especially for staff. |
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Air cleaning in Dental Offices |
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In order to effectively
clean the air in a dental office, the air cleaning device must be
able to capture both particles (microorganisms, droplets, dust)
and gaseous chemicals (mercury vapors, gaseous organic compounds).
To capture drill aerosols and other pollutants generated by dental
work on patients, an air cleaning system with extraction at source
should be used. For general air quality improvement an air cleaning
system should be used at central locations within the dental procedure
area.
The air cleaning systems should contain high-efficiency particulate
filters, as well as substantial gas phase filters for mercury vapors,
disinfectants and volatile organic compounds. |
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| Air
System for Dental Offices |
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The IQAir
Dental Series was specifically developed to improve indoor air
quality in dental offices.
The IQAir
Dental Pro is a stand-alone air cleaning system which cleans
the air in a dental office by constantly drawing in polluted room
air and exhausting filtered air to the room.
The IQAir
Dental Hg FlexVac is a stand-alone air cleaning system with
a flexible source capture suction duct. The suction duct is used
close to the patient to capture drill aerosols and other pollutants
before they can spread in the dental office. |
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Which IQAir System is best? |
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The standard HealthPro (EU: Allergen
100) is recommended for allergy sufferers without any particular
need for gas or odor control. These units do not contain a gas and
odor filter, which makes filter replacement economical and maximizes
air delivery.
The HealthPro Plus (EU: HealthPro 250) contains a V5-Cell filter
for the control of gaseous contaminants and odors. The HealthPro
Plus is recommended to asthma sufferers, since their respiratory
systems are often sensitized to gaseous irritants, as well as allergens.
The HealthPro Plus is also recommended to allergy sufferers with
a need or desire to deal with gaseous pollutants or odors.
For elevated levels of gaseous pollutants and odors, or for individuals
sensitized to chemical compounds, the IQAir
GC Series or IQAir
GCX Series should be considered.
In their standard configuration, the IQAir Personal Health Series
cleans the air by recirculation. For individuals that suffer from
pollen or other outdoor allergens, we recommend the use of the InFlow
W125 accessory. This accessory converts any IQAir system from an
air cleaner that filters air within a room (recirculation) to an
air cleaner that draws outside air (ventilation) and filters it
before releasing it into the room. This can eliminate the need for
the opening of windows for ventilation and can build up a slight
positive pressure that reduces the leakage of outdoor allergens
through cracks in doors and windows. |
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