Introduction: Methyl methacrylate is a colourless clear liquid that floats on water and slightly mixes with it. Vapours, which are heavier than air, irritate the eyes and respiratory system. It is used in laboratory dental prosthetics to make orthodontic appliances, denture bases, and impression trays. Exposure to MMA negatively affects the health of the dental laboratory technician. It causes skin irritation, allergic reactions, and exposure to vapours causes respiratory irritation. Polluted air with MMA is the main factor for development of health problems in the working environment of laboratory dental technicians. To reduce health issues, the use of protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and a mask, as well as a well-ventilated work environment, is recommended. Purpose: The purpose of the thesis is to develop a method for monitoring the evaporation of MMA monomer in the workplace, determine the impact of inhaled MMA vapors on the health of the dental laboratory technician, and establish suitable protective measures in the workplace in case the concentrations of MMA in the workplace are too high. Methods: The thesis is based on a descriptive research method, which includes a review of professional and scientific literature. Additionally, an experimental method was used in the thesis. A concept of a closed chamber with constant conditions was established. In the closed chamber, the evaporation of MMA spilled on a watch glass was measured over a period of two hours. In the second part of the experiment, the identity and concentration of MMA molecules in the air mixture were measured in the closed chamber. In the practical part of the thesis, a bruxism splint was fabricated. Results: After the first measurement, a total of 3.11 g of MMA monomer evaporated in 120 minutes, which is equivalent to 37.19%. After the second measurement, 2.72 g of MMA monomer evaporated, which is equivalent to 34.35%. After the third measurement, 2.82 g of MMA monomer evaporated, which is equivalent to 36.82%. In the second part of the experiment, the identity of MMA in the air was measured. As the mass of the MMA monomer decreased, the chromatographic peak increased until the dynamic equilibrium was reached. At this point, the concentration of MMA monomer in the air began to decrease due to the deposition of MMA monomer on the walls of the container, which is consistent with the decrease in weight loss observed in the gravimetric analysis. Discussion and conclusion: Students of dental laboratory technology and their professors are exposed to high concentrations of MMA vapours during practical exercises, as several people work with the monomer in a closed space simultaneously. Inhaled vapours pose a risk for the development of asthma-like lung diseases and affect the nervous system, causing headaches, drowsiness, and dizziness. Lack of protective measures, such as ventilation systems and prolonged exposure time, significantly contribute to the onset of respiratory diseases. A safe working environment for handling MMA is a modern laboratory with an effective ventilation system.
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