Analysis of relationship between periodontal conditions and blood lead levels in workers at an automotive batteries factory in Bauru-SP

• Grant number: 13/22891-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: June 01, 2014
• End date: May 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Social and Preventive Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Arsenio Sales Peres
• Grantee: Priscila Matter Borges
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru (FOB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

There are numerous diseases that can affect the stomatognathic system due to labor occupations, and among the forms of chemical contamination that may affect workers, one of them is through the inappropriate contact with the lead. In Brazil, the biggest consumers of this material are the industries of automotive batteries, and the workers of these plants will be more susceptible to poisoning by long chronic exposure. Studies indicate that such exposure can affect the metabolism and immune system, presenting a potential risk for periodontitis. The present study aims at analyzing the relationship between periodontal status and blood lead levels in workers at a automotive batteries factory in Bauru-SP. The sample consists of 70 individuals of both genders, aged 18-60 years. The exclusion criteria are: edentulous Individuals,with Diabetes Mellitus, individuals undergoing medical treatment for cancer or who are in treatment using antibiotic, bisphosphonates, immunosuppressant or anticonvulsant drugs. The data of blood lead levels will be obtained through the records of employees who are regularly measured and filed in the companies as part of routine health surveillance, in accordance with the law.The Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and TureskyIndexwill be used for evaluation of periodontal conditions and hygiene habits. Questionnaires will beapplied to analyze general and oral hygienehabits, as well as the impact of oral conditions on quality of life, through the OHIP-14 questionnaire.The collected data will be tabulated and organized with double entry in the program files Excel 2010 (Microsoft Office 2010). The presentation will consist on a descriptive part, mean and standard deviation, using tables and graphs. In the statistical analysis, initially will apply the test of normality and homogeneity of the data, and then used the appropriate statistical test. If normal distribution and homogeneity of standard deviations, analysis of variance to two criteria and Tukey test for individual comparisons will be used, with a confidence interval of 95%. Otherwise it will be employed a nonparametric test (Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Dunn test for individual comparisons). Due to assess the differences between groups will be held the Student t test unpaired. In order to verify the relationship between the variables will be applied Pearson correlation coefficient for parametric data. The statistical program STATISTICA 12 (Stat Soft Inc., USA) will be used for data analysis, with a significance level of 5% (P<0.05).