# Exposure to Oxycide(tm) Disinfect in Dental Practices: Occupational Symptoms and Risk Factors
## 4 Discussion
This is consistent with occupational safety guidelines that discourage spray application of peracetic acid (PAA)-based disinfectants due to the risk of aerosol formation and increased inhalation exposure. However, despite using wipes,symptoms were still reported--likely due to excessive volume applied, insufficient drying time, and poor ventilation, all of which can still result in the off-gassing of irritant vapors. The distribution of reported symptoms following Oxycide(tm) exposure highlights the predominance of mucosal and respiratory irritation, with burning sensation in the eyes, irritative dry cough, and nasal mucosa irritation being the most frequently cited. However, the chi-square test did not reveal a statistically significant association between the type of personal protective equipment (PPE) used and the specific symptoms reported (\(\chi^{2}\)(28, N = 200) = 25.20, \(p\) = 0.617). This lack of statistical association suggests that within this sample, the type of PPE worn may not have significantly influenced the manifestation of specific symptoms. It is possible that exposure occurred despite PPE use, due to improper application or limitations in protective efficacy. Further studies with larger samples and more balanced symptom distribution are needed to better understand the role of PPE in modulating the types of symptoms experienced. A notable aspect is the occurrence of symptoms even in people with no allergic history, suggesting a predominantly irritant (non-immunologic) mechanism of the reactions. Peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide vapors may act as direct irritants, triggering local mucosal inflammation, irrespective of allergic predisposition. At the same time, severe cases (such as angioedema) raise the suspicion that in some individuals, there may also be a component of hypersensitivity or a particular individual vulnerability. Differences in the onset and duration of symptoms observed (immediate in some, delayed, and persistent in others) can be explained by varying levels of exposure and individual sensitivity [8]. Another important factor to be discussed is the lack of clear post-disinfection instructions in the Oxycide(tm) product documentation, which has led to uncertainty about the steps to follow after the contact time has expired. The absence of a surface wiping or rinsing step and explicit recommendations to ventiate rooms meant that irritating residues persisted on surfaces and in the air, coming into contact with the skin and mucous membranes of staff and patients. Standardizing these steps could significantly reduce unnecessary exposure. Overall, it is suggested that the problems identified are caused not only by the disinfectant but also by the way of application and compliance with appropriate protective measures. By addressing both aspects (product choice and use procedures), a safer working environment can be achieved [31]. While some factors (for example, room ventilation) approached significance without meeting standard thresholds, such patterns remain useful in occupational health research. In chemical exposure settings, even little changes in ambient conditions or procedure compliance can result in measurable symptom decreases. These findings support simple, low-cost interventions--such as respecting drying time, boosting air exchange, and using the proper dose--that can significantly improve worker safety in dentistry clinics. One of the primary limitations of this study is the absence of a control group, which compromises our capacity to ascribe the stated symptoms to the use of Oxycide(tm) disinfectant. It is difficult to tell the difference between the effects of Oxycide(tm) and other possible environmental or occupational variables without a reference group of dental professionals not exposed to this disinfectant. The study's cross-sectional design also precludes us from determining causal links between symptom severity, techniques of disinfectant administration, and PPE use.