Author: Anglen J, Stayner L, Gruninger S.
Source: Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Year: 2014
Comment:
The researchers of this study with occupational relevance conclude, "Using an estimated cumulative mercury exposure as the measure of effect shows a significant positive association with decreased peripheral nerve function. This study is the first of its kind to estimate dentists’ cumulative mercury exposure and its effect on peripheral nerve function."
Abstract / Excerpt:
“3923 observations from 2649 dentists were used to perform linear regression using multiple models. Models included individuals with or without imputed BMI, along with either repeated measures or initial observations only. Adjusted covariates included hand temperature, gender, age and BMI. Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, carpal tunnel syndrome (for median nerve models only), or hand temperatures interfering with the accuracy of the instrument were excluded. The main effect of cumulative exposure was found to be significant (p-value <0.05) in median nerve latency and amplitudes but insignificant in ulnar nerve measures. All models but ulnar nerve latency showed a highly significant interaction of cumulative exposure and age (p-value < 0.01).”
Citation:
Anglen J, Stayner L, Gruninger S. 0414 Cumulative mercury exposure and peripheral nerve function in a sample of US dental professionals. Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2014; 71(Suppl 1): A116-A116.