Data from mercury vapor surveys of 1.064 rooms in dental offices show no difference in ambient breathing zone concentrations of mercury vapor between offices with hard floors and offices with carpets. Laboratory experiments show that either type of floor can be successfully treated to practically eliminate its contribution to employee mercury exposures. The most effective approach to controlling mercury vapor exposures is to prevent contamination of the air and working environment through the disciplined practice of effective mercury hygiene. We believe the dental profession should stress an exposure limit of 0.02 mg/cu m or less as a standard of good practice.

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