Environmental
Chemical Vapor Monitoring Badges for Dental OfficesDental offices and clinics may use chemicals during patient care, instrument processing and cleaning. Depending on the procedures and products in use, staff may be exposed to airborne chemical vapors.
Environmental Monitoring Tech provides chemical vapor monitoring badges with laboratory analysis for facilities evaluating potential workplace exposure to applicable airborne chemical vapors. EMT's badges provide laboratory-analyzed exposure data that can be compared with applicable occupational exposure limits.
The specific chemicals requiring monitoring depend on the materials and processes used at each facility. Employers should review current Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), applicable exposure limits and regulatory requirements when determining their monitoring needs.
Where Chemical Vapor Monitoring May Be Used
Chemical vapor monitoring may be applicable in areas such as:
- General, pediatric and specialty dental practices
- Oral surgery offices
- Dental clinics and dental school teaching clinics
- Operatories where nitrous oxide sedation is used
- Sterilization and instrument reprocessing areas
- Dental laboratories
Chemical Vapors That May Be Encountered
Depending on the products and processes used at a facility, workers may potentially encounter chemical vapors such as:
Nitrous Oxide
Widely used for sedation in dental offices. As a waste anesthetic gas, it can be present in the air around staff in the room during procedures.
Mercury Vapor
May be relevant in offices that handle dental amalgam.
Glutaraldehyde
A high-level disinfectant used for instruments that cannot be heat sterilized.
Ortho-Phthalaldehyde (OPA)
Another high-level disinfectant used for instrument reprocessing.
Methyl Methacrylate
May be present in acrylic resins used in dental laboratory and prosthetic work.
Other Chemical Vapors
Dental products and disinfectants can contain a variety of other volatile ingredients. Review your SDSs to identify the chemicals used in your workplace and determine appropriate monitoring requirements.
Simple Chemical Vapor Monitoring
EMT chemical vapor monitoring badges provide a convenient method for collecting samples for laboratory analysis.
- No minimum order
- No account required
- Laboratory analysis included
- Standard turnaround is approximately one week after laboratory receipt
- Rush analysis may be available with prior approval and an additional fee
- Individual chemical monitoring options are available for numerous workplace vapors
Not Sure Which Chemical You Need to Monitor?
Start by reviewing the product or chemical Safety Data Sheet (SDS), particularly the composition/ingredients and exposure-control sections. Chemical names and CAS numbers can help identify the appropriate monitoring option.
You can also contact EMT and send your SDS for help identifying an available monitoring option.
Information provided by Environmental Monitoring Tech is for general informational purposes only. Monitoring requirements vary according to workplace conditions, chemicals, processes and applicable regulations. Employers should follow applicable regulatory requirements and qualified workplace safety guidance.
