Methyl methacrylate (methyl ester, 2-methyl-2-propenoic acid, methylacrylic acid) is a chemical used in the production of resins and plastics. It is used in medicine as a cement for bone and teeth.
Occupational exposure:
(1) manufacturer
(2) plastic industry
(3) end-user (plumber, cement workers, hobbyist)
(4) operating room personnel
(5) dental personnel
Routes of exposure:
(1) inhalation into lungs
(2) cutaneous
(3) less often ingestion
(4) iatrogenic (during use in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, or dentistry)
(5) mucous membranes
Adverse effects:
(1) respiratory and nasal irritation
(2) occupational asthma
(3) contact dermatitis
(4) peripheral neuropathy, especially in fingers
(5) loss of appetite
(6) lethargy and/or reduced ability to concentrate
(7) lightheadedness
(8) headache
(9) eye irritation
Risk factors for adverse effects:
(1) poor ventilation
(2) frequent exposure
(3) heavy exposure
(4) lack of personal protective equipment (PPE)
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