EVALUATING NITROUS OXIDE EXPOSURE

Abstract

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is frequently used in dental offices and is regarded as safe for patients getting dental work done. However, nitrous oxide exposure at work has been linked to harmful health outcomes like infertility and diseases of the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Unfortunately, Saudi Arabia lacks an occupational safety and health regulatory body, which may influence dental professionals' safety. This is a serious problem because it puts dental professionals at risk of nitrous oxide exposure at work. Exposure to nitrous oxide at work can have serious health consequences. Therefore, it is critical to evaluate dental professionals' occupational exposure to nitrous oxide in Saudi Arabia. A passive sampler from advanced chemical sensors was used to measure nitrous oxide occupational exposure levels in breathing zones to evaluate the potential health effects of nitrous oxide exposure among dental professionals at the King Saud University Dental Hospital. In the second part of the study, the researchers aimed to evaluate the possible health effects of nitrous oxide exposure on dental professionals in Saudi Arabia through a questionnaire survey.