Acta clinica Croatica, Vol. 56. No. 4., 2017.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.20471/acc.2017.56.04.04
Analysis of Airborne Dust as a Result of Plaster Cast Sawing
Anko Antabak
orcid.org/0000-0002-6139-7799
; Department of Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Damir Halužan
; Department of Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Center and School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abdulah Chouehne
; School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Marko Mance
; Department of Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Nino Fuchs
; Department of Surgery, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivica Prlić
; Institute of Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Bešlić
; Institute of Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
Zvjezdana Bencetić Klaić
; Andrija Mohorovičić Geophysical Institute, Department of Geophysics, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Plaster splints are used daily in surgical and orthopedic fields in order to immobilize injured children and adults. The aim of this study was to measure the aerodynamic diameter and concentration of dust particles in the air caused by sawing plaster splints (calcium sulfate dehy-drate). We performed fractional measurements of airborne dust particles. The measured particles, which can potentially be inhaled, may have a specific negative effect on human health. Measurements were conducted in laboratory research facilities that simulated hospital conditions within a casting room and the associated waiting room. Measurements within the casting room were made using two particle collector devices and one laser photometer. The measurement for the simulated waiting room was performed using the same principles and devices. The collected plaster dust particles differed in aerodynamic diameter and concentration according to the various locations observed. The highest concentration of particles of all sizes was recorded at the site of cast sawing. There was direct correlation between distance from the source and concentration of airborne particles; this concentration was lowest in the waiting room. The concentrations of plaster dust recorded were lower than the recommended minimal limit values for total and respiratory fractions in Croatia. Accordingly, it can be assumed that sawing of plaster splints has no harmful health effects on the exposed patients and health personnel.
Keywords
Casts, surgical; Calcium sulfate; Air pollutants – toxicity; Orthopedic fixation devices; Dust – adverse effects
Hrčak ID:
195062
URI
Publication date:
15.12.2017.
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