• Size and Concentration of Airborne Particulates in the Atmosphere of
  the Dental Office of Drs. Van Hale and Arima
  On May 22, 2008, air particle size and concentration tests were conducted by William Chiang and Tom Chen of California Measurements at the dental offices of Drs. (D.D.S.) Gregory L. Van Hale and Cathleen T. Arima at 247 West Glenoaks Boulevard, Glendale, California. This report contains the data gathered during the tests and a summary of the test results.
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• Infection Control in Healthcare, Home, and Community Settings
  This new Supplement outlines the infection control recommendations for prevention of SARS-CoV transmission in healthcare, household, and community settings.  During the 2003 global epidemic, SARS-CoV caused unprecedented levels of morbidity and mortality among healthcare personnel and disrupted healthcare delivery systems, leading in some instances to closure of hospitals.  Rapid implementation and adherence to infection control measures proved essential for controlling transmission in healthcare settings.  To assist healthcare facilities in controlling SARS-CoV transmission, CDC issued several infection control guidance documents that evolved with improved understanding of the virus and its modes of transmission.  This Supplement consolidates, updates, and replaces the previous guidelines and provides new information to guide infection control practices for prevention of SARS-CoV transmission.
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• General Industry Safety Orders Group  Hazardous Substances and Processes
  Dental patients and DHCP can be exposed to pathogenic microorganisms including cytomegalovirus (CMV), HBV, HCV, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, HIV, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, staphylococci, streptococci, and other viruses and bacteria that colonize or infect the oral cavity and respiratory tract. These organisms can be transmitted in dental settings through 1) direct contact with blood, oral fluids, or other patient materials; 2) indirect contact with contaminated objects (e.g., instruments, equipment, or environmental surfaces); 3) contact of conjunctival, nasal, or oral mucosa with droplets (e.g., spatter) containing microorganisms generated from an infected person and propelled a short distance (e.g., by coughing, sneezing, or talking); and 4) inhalation of airborne microorganisms that can remain suspended in the air for long periods (5).
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• U.S. Infectious Disease Deaths Rise Markedly
  By Terrance Monmaney
  Los Angeles Times Medical Writer
  
  Counting Virtually every American who died from 1980 to 1992,federal researchers have found that deaths from infectious diseases, formerly on the decline, rose 58% over that period, jumping from the fifth to the third leading killer.
   

• TB IN LA:
  A sleeping giant once again rears its ugly head
  By Paul. T. Davidson M.D. Paul T. Davidson is director of the Tuberculosis Control Department of Health Services
  (LACMA Physicians March 2, 1992)
  
  Its back. And with a vengeance. Tuberculosis (TB) thought by many health car professionals to have vanished long ago, is today reaching epidemic proportions.
  
  Contrary to what some may think, the beast has never been extinct.  TB has been an endemic problem in Los Angeles County for many years, with an average of 1,400 new cases each year since the 1960s. The average annual reactor TB cases increased by 5.5% between 1987 and 1989. This upward trend continued to rise at an alarming pace through 1991, when more than 2,100 cases were reported (see figure 1). This is the largest total number of cases reported for the county in any single year for decades.
   

• Reduction of Aerosols Produced by Ultrasonic Scalers
  Stephen K. Harrel, James B. Barnes, and Francisco Rivera-Hidalgo
  
  There is concern with decreased air quality and potential aerosol contamination in the dental operatory. The problem has been addressed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which recommends that all sources of blood-contaminated splatter and aerosols be minimized. One of the major sources of potential aerosol contamination in the dental setting is the ultrasonic scaler.  This study looks at the use of a high volume evacuator attachment for the ultrasonic scaler hand piece.
   

• Effectiveness of an Aerosol Reduction Device for Ultrasonic Scalers
  Tracy King, Kathleen B. Muzzin, Charles W. Berry and Lisa Anders
  
  Introral use of ultrasonic scalers may generate aerosols that contain infectious microorganisms and therefore pose a hazard to the dental professional. The purpose of this in vivo study was to determine if an aerosol reduction device for an ultrasonic scaler would be effective in reducing the amount of contaminated aerosols produced during ultrasonic instrumentation.