Evaluation of the risk of infection through exposure to aerosols and spatters in dentistry

Background: Many dental procedures produce extensive aerosols and splatters that are routinely contaminated with microorganisms. Methods: Air containing blood-bearing aerosols and surfaces contaminated by sedimenting blood particulate was sampled in 5 different dental cubicles. To assess contamination by blood particulate, the concentration of hemoglobin (Hb) in the air and on the sedimentation surfaces was determined. Results: The mean concentration of Hb in the air aspirated in the 5 cubicles was 0.14 +/- 0.23 mu g/m(3), corresponding to a blood volume of 8.7 x 10(-4) mu L/m(3). Similarly the mean concentration of blood particulate sedimented on surfaces was calculated and found to be 1.56 mu L/m(2). In 80% of the cubicles monitored, 100% positivity to the Hb determination test was recorded in all of the surface samples. Conclusions: The results obtained revealed contamination of both air and surfaces by blood particulate. Moreover, with the exception of those obtained in 1 cubicle, all of the samples of sedimenting particulate analyzed were positive for the presence of Hb.