Disabling disturbance of olfaction in a dental technician following exposure to methyl methacrylate

Abstract.

It is often difficult to diagnose dysosmia due to occupational olfactotoxic substances. The authors present a case of disabling disturbance of olfaction in a dental technician. This is very likely to have been caused by exposure to methyl methacrylate. From 1988–1992, the dental technician had very extensive and sustained contact with a self-polymerizing acrylic resin based on methyl methacrylate. Her perception of smell was still normal in 1988, but it deteriorated up to 1992. The olfactory disorders have persisted and impede social life and occupational rehabilitation.