Ensuring Safety in Dental Laboratories with Effective Fume Extraction

ntal laboratories need an efficient fume extraction system. By filtering out harmful particles, dental technicians can simultaneously maintain high production standards whilst protecting their wellbeing.  

Why clean air matters in dental laboratories  

When we talk about dental lab safety, it’s not just about wearing masks or using gloves. Airborne risks are one of the biggest challenges technicians face every single day. A controlled study on dental technicians showed that 65.7% of participants were diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, highlighting one of the many prominent risks to dental professionals. Further hazards include: 

• Dust and fumes can come from ceramics, zirconia, cobalt-chrome alloys, or even the acrylics used in dentures, presenting respiratory hazards. 

• Solvents, adhesives, and investment powders create a cocktail of risks that, left unchecked, can cause asthma, COPD and long-term health issues. 

• Beyond health, these contaminants can ruin delicate work, meaning wasted time, lost money, and frustrated clients. 

Curious about the bigger picture? Learn more about why dental companies need fume extraction systems. 

What dental processes create health hazards? 

If you work in a dental lab, you’ll recognise these dental applications. However, it’s important to highlight the associated risks to your health: 

• Grinding and polishing – creates fine, airborne dust that is easily inhaled. 

• Casting and investing – produces silica particles and fumes during burnout. 

• Acrylics and resins – release strong odours and methyl methacrylate (MMA) vapours. 

• Sandblasting – generates sharp particles that can be inhaled. 

• Soldering and welding – create metal fumes and flux residues. 

• 3D printing – gives off VOCs during curing and post-processing. 

How clean air systems support dental labs 

With dental applications producing various hazards, it’s crucial that businesses are equipped with clean air systems that support their staff throughout each part of the process. So, we’ve identified the best extraction method for each application. 

At Purex, we’ve been supplying fume extractors and clean air solutions to businesses across the globe for over 40 years. With a wealth of experience working in the dental industry, you can rest assured that we have the technology to keep your lab and technicians safe and compliant.  

Choosing the right clean air system for your dental lab 

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for a dental lab. So, we’ve broken down what clean air solutions works best in different scenarios: 

1. Source capture arms 

How they work: Flexible arms and hoods grab dust and fumes right where they’re produced. They’re quick to move, easy to position, and highly efficient. 

Perfect for: Polishing, soldering, trimming. 

2. Downdraft benches 

How they work: Air is pulled down through the work surface, stopping dust from rising. 

Perfect for: Casting, investing, heavy grinding. 

3. Enclosed cabinets and mini booths 

How they work: Enclosures keep the workspace fresh, preventing the spread of strong, vapour-heavy odours caused by tasks like acrylic mixing. 

Perfect for: Acrylic repairs, solvent handling. 

4. Portable units 

How they work: Using a fan, portable units extract harmful fumes and particles through an arm, hose or capture hood.  

Perfect for: Compact dental laboratories that require a moveable, adaptable system.  

The filters that make it all work 

In addition to the different clean air solutions available, there are also four different filters available that will help remove harmful particles in your dental laboratory. These include: 

• HEPA H13/H14 filters: capture even the tiniest dust particles. 

• Activated carbon filters: trap VOCs and odours from acrylics and solvents. 

• Pre-filters: catch bigger particles and extend filter life. 

• Specialty filters: available for bespoke applications. 

These filters can be chosen or layered to accommodate your unique lab requirements. Need help selecting the right filter and system for your business? Contact our team for a professional recommendation.  

Maintenance that keeps labs running 

Once you have chosen your fume extraction system, you need to regularly maintain your machine to ensure its operating efficiently and in compliance with safety regulations. Think of it like servicing your car, regular checks save you from bigger problems later.  

Here is a breakdown of our maintenance recommendations: 

• Daily: check airflow, hood placement, and keep benches tidy. 

• Weekly: swap out pre-filters if needed. 

• Planned: replace HEPA and carbon filters on schedule. 

• Annually: get your LEV tested and certified. 

Want the full rundown? See Why fume extraction maintenance is important. 

Staying COSHH compliant  

Every UK dental lab must follow COSHH guidelines, and that means controlling exposure at the source. Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) is the gold standard, and it’s not optional. Here are the mandatory regulations for all LEV systems: 

• LEV systems need a thorough test every 14 months. 

• All filter changes, services, and airflow checks should be logged. 

• Follow HSG258 for best practice, from installation to maintenance. 

Whether you’re purchasing a new clean air system or you have an existing fume extractor, it’s important to commission your machine before use. At Purex, we perform LEV tests for clients across the UK, ensuring consistent COSHH compliance.  

How Purex Helps Remove Harmful Particles 

Dental labs choose Purex because we: 

• Offer quiet, compact systems that fit seamlessly into lab environments. 

• Provide combined HEPA + carbon filters for both dust and vapours. 

• Built in smart airflow monitoring to maintain consistent performance. 

• Deliver UK-wide support and servicing, so you’re never left stuck. 

Contact Purex for Clean Air Systems for Your Dental Lab  

Effective fume extraction keeps your team healthy, your equipment running well, and your work to the highest standard. By addressing these hazards in dentistry head-on, you’re protecting both people and patients. Contact our team today and see how we provide clean air for all. 

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