Cement in fillings can lead to dental aids’ asthma  Author: Reuters/DZ Dental assistants who work with substances called methacrylates may be at risk of developing asthma or chronic respiratory symptoms, a new study says. Researchers found that among 799 Finnish dental assistants, those with greater methacrylate exposure had higher risks of developing asthma or respiratory problems like chronic nasal symptoms, hoarseness and breathing difficulty. The risk of respiratory symptoms appeared to grow the longer women had been on the job, and those who’d suffered allergies as children seemed particularly susceptible.  Methacrylates are used in dental filling materials and bonding agents, like those used to cement porcelain veneers, crowns and orthodontic brackets. Dental assistants are exposed to airborne methacrylate particles when mixing these materials or during placement or removal of dental restorations. “The risks to respiratory health are related to inhaling these substances,” lead author Dr. Maritta S. Jaakkola, of the University of Birmingham in the UK, told Reuters Health. Probably the most important protective measure is for dentists to install exhaust systems in areas where assistants work with methacrylates. Besides exhaust systems to clear the air, gloves also offer dental assistants protection from methacrylates, Jaakkola noted. The substances can cause skin reactions, she explained, and it’s also possible that sensitization to methacrylates through skin contact makes some people more susceptible to suffering respiratory effects as well.